Mahama deserves time on Kejetia Phase Two, Kumasi queen mothers tell traders

A group of market queen mothers representing traders in Kumasi have urged trader associations to stop mounting pressure on President John Dramani Mahama over the completion of the Kejetia Phase Two Market project, insisting that significant progress has already been made under the current administration.

According to the queen mothers, the pace of work on the project within a relatively short period under President Mahama’s leadership is more encouraging than developments recorded over the past eight years. They argue that renewed construction activity demonstrates a stronger commitment to completing stalled market infrastructure in the region.

Speaking at a press conference, the group praised the government for what they described as efforts to fulfill long-standing development promises to the Ashanti Region, particularly the revival of abandoned and delayed market projects.

One of the speakers, Grace Agyei Darko, the Adwenehemaa, referenced several market developments initiated during President Mahama’s previous administration aimed at boosting commercial activity in Kumasi. These include the Atonsu Market, Asawase Market, and the Kejetia Market Phase One.

She further noted that, under the current administration, previously stalled projects such as the Krofrom Market and Kejetia Phase Two have seen renewed progress, with contractors reportedly returning to site to continue construction works.

“In his return, abandoned projects such as the Krofrom Market and Kejetia Phase Two have seen significant progress. Contractors are back on site, working tirelessly. What more do people expect? The pressure must stop,” she said.

The comments come in the wake of a recent demonstration by some trader groups demanding the urgent completion of the Kejetia Market redevelopment project, which remains one of the largest trading infrastructure projects in the region.

However, the queen mothers argued that if earlier administrations had shown similar commitment to infrastructure development, many market projects across Kumasi would already have been completed and operational, thereby improving trading conditions and boosting economic activity.

They further stated that the long-delayed Krofrom Market project, which had reportedly stalled for nearly 19 years, is now back under construction and is expected to be completed in time for traders to occupy the facility before the Christmas season.

The group expressed strong confidence in the current administration, stressing their belief that President Mahama continues to prioritise development projects in Kumasi and the broader Ashanti Region.

“We are very happy we voted for President John Dramani Mahama; all critics should shut up; we were all here eight years ago,” they added, emphasizing their support for the ongoing redevelopment efforts.