The Kumasi Central Market Traders and Secondhand Clothes Union have voiced their deep disappointment with the government’s abandonment of the Kumasi Central Market Redevelopment Project.
Initially, during the evacuation phase for the project, the government assured them of timely completion to facilitate their return to business. However, the project abruptly halted in December 2022 when the Brazilian Construction Firm, Contracta, unexpectedly terminated all its workers, leaving the project site in limbo.
Traders were informed by the government that the project was paused due to the Debt Restructuring Programme, with reassurances that work would resume once the first tranche of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) funds landed in the government’s accounts.
Despite the arrival of the first and second tranches of IMF funds, work has not recommenced, leaving the project exposed to the elements.
Expressing their disappointment on the Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9fm in Kumasi, traders lamented the project’s delay and the resulting challenges they face.
The project site now lies overrun with weeds and reptiles, leaving traders struggling to find a place to conduct their business. Many traders rely solely on market activities to make ends meet, making the government’s neglect particularly disheartening.
With numerous other projects in different regions progressing after the IMF funds’ arrival, traders feel neglected by the NPP government, despite being a significant source of support for them.
In response to this neglect, traders have decided to stage a five-day protest to demand the project’s resumption. During this demonstration, they plan to picket and remove barriers at the project site. If their demands remain unaddressed, they will occupy the incomplete market site with their goods for trading purposes.
