Kumasi traders issue ultimatum to gov’t over delayed Kejetia Market phase two project Source

The Combined Kumasi Central Market Traders Union has issued a one-month ultimatum to the government, demanding that contractors immediately resume work on Phase Two of the Kejetia Market Redevelopment Project or face massive demonstrations.

The warning underscores growing frustration among traders affected by delays in the project, which has disrupted livelihoods since relocation efforts began in 2021.

Addressing the press on Tuesday, April 14, the Union’s Director of Operations, Daniel Otuo Acheampong, outlined the severe challenges traders have endured since being moved from the central market to temporary locations to make way for redevelopment.

According to him, many traders currently operating at the Racecourse site are struggling with poor infrastructure, including inadequate road networks, poor sanitation, insufficient lighting, and rising insecurity—conditions that have significantly reduced customer patronage and business activity.

“Aside from that, traders who remain in the last section of the central market are contending with flooding, offensive sewage odour, and large volumes of waste from the Aboabo Lorry Station and Alabar,” he stated.

Mr. Acheampong further revealed that the Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, had previously assured the Union that construction work on Phase Two would resume in March 2026. However, he noted that this commitment has yet to be fulfilled, deepening concerns among affected traders.

The union indicated that it has gathered information suggesting that the delay may be linked to funding constraints. As a result, it is calling on the government to urgently release funds from escrow accounts tied to Phase One of the project, reportedly held at Fidelity Bank Ghana and Yaa Asantewaa Rural Bank, to facilitate the continuation of construction.

“The union has gathered that the delay may be due to funding constraints. Consequently, we are calling on the government to immediately release funds… to facilitate the continuation of the project,” he explained.

The traders stressed that their ultimatum is firm, giving authorities until the end of May 2026 to ensure that work resumes on the stalled project.

They warned that failure to meet the deadline will trigger a large-scale protest, with members prepared to dismantle barricades and return to trading within the uncompleted facility if necessary.

The Kejetia Market Redevelopment Project, a key infrastructure initiative in Kumasi, is aimed at modernising one of West Africa’s largest trading hubs. However, delays in its second phase have sparked mounting dissatisfaction among traders whose businesses and livelihoods depend on its timely completion.