By Traders of second-hand clothing and other goods, previously relocated from Kumasi Central Market to Racecourse due to ongoing reconstruction, are organizing a five-day protest against the prolonged delays in completing phase two of the Kumasi Central Market redevelopment.
While the traders initially postponed their protest plans during the 25th-anniversary celebrations of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, they have assured that they will proceed with their protest once the festivities conclude.
The Kumasi Central Market redevelopment project, spearheaded by the governing New Patriotic Party, aimed to enhance trading conditions within the vicinity. However, the project encountered a setback in 2022 due to the 2022 Debt Restructuring Programme.
Concerns have been raised by traders relocated to Racecourse regarding the adverse effects of the delay on their businesses.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, has indicated that the central market redevelopment project will resume subsequent to the completion of the Kumasi International Airport and the maternity block at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
Nevertheless, the traders stand firm in their determination to carry out the protest, voicing their discontent with the preference given to other projects over the timely completion of the market redevelopment.
Samuel Obeng, representing the Central Market Traders Association, stressed the unwavering commitment of the traders to proceed with their demonstration, asserting that they will forge ahead irrespective of the government’s position.
The planned protest is expected to draw participation from auto mechanics from Suame Magazine and various other groups within the region, underscoring the broad-based concern among traders impacted by the prolonged delay in the project.
“We are still holding on to our plans to demonstrate. We are quiet because of the ongoing 25th Anniversary celebration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. We don’t want to cause any disturbances to interrupt his activities. But once Otumfuo is done with the anniversary, we will fix a date to stage our demonstration.”
“The demonstration will be a massive one because it will include auto mechanics from Suame magazine and other groups in the region.”
“We respect the Regional Minister, but he can go ahead and say what he wants. We are not backing down on our demonstration. If the NPP government wants to go into opposition, we will help them do so.”
“The completion of the Kumasi International Airport will not provide food for us nor can it help us in any way as traders. Instead of helping us cater for ourselves and our families by completing the market, you rather want to complete the airport, that’s fine, but we shall see.”
