The Combined Kumasi Central Market Traders Union have issued an ultimatum to the government to resume work on the stalled Kejetia Phase Two project by the end of May, this year, or face a mass demonstration in protest against the delay.
In May 2019, then President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, cut the sod for the project to be commenced, which was to be completed within 48-months, but has stalled till now.
The second phase of the project is expected to house 6,500 leasable commercial spaces, 5,400 closed stores, 800 kiosks, 50 restaurants, 210 fishmonger and butcher stores, as well as 40 livestock stores among others, which will provide 900 direct jobs and 2,500 indirect jobs to improve the lot of residents.
The redevelopment of the Kumasi Central Market at €248 million is being financed by the Deutsche Bank of Germany, with export credit guarantee from the United Kingdom Export Finance (UKEF).
The traders Union claims its members have endured years of hardship following their eviction from the Kumasi Central Market in 2021 to make way for the redevelopment project, which implementation has unduly delayed.
The Union warned that failure by the government to act within the stipulated timeframe would leave them with no option than to embark on a mass protest.
Mr. Daniel Otuo Acheampong, Director of Operations for the Union, said at a press conference yesterday that the prolonged delay has significantly disrupted trading activities and livelihoods.
“Traders have faced serious challenges since 2021, when they were evicted from the Kumasi Central Market,” he stated.
According to the Union, although some traders were relocated to the Kumasi Racecourse, many others are still without permanent trading spaces.
They described conditions at the Race Course as poor, citing bad roads, inadequate sanitation, poor lighting and insecurity, which have reduced customer patronage.
Traders who remain at portions of the Central Market are also grappling with flooding, sewage odour, and accumulated debris, raising concerns about public health and safety.
The Union further expressed disappointment over an earlier assurance by Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang that work on the project would resume in March 2026, but no sign of its resumption.
Believing that the delay might be caused by lack of funding, they called on the government to release funds to address this major challenge.
The traders proposed a change in project management for operations to be handed over to a competent private entity to improve efficiency and security.
They also appealed to the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene and help resolve the issue.
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