Kejetia Petty Traders Appeal for Fair Allocation in Phase 2 of Market Project

Story by Sibo Yamoah

Kumasi, Ghana – Over 632 members of the Kejetia Petty Traders Association have appealed to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, President John Dramani Mahama, and the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene, to ensure they are allocated stores in the second phase of the Kejetia Market project.

At a press conference held in Kumasi today, the Chairman and Founder of the association, Mr. Emmanuel Kwarteng, voiced the frustrations of traders who were original occupants of the old Kejetia Market. Despite making financial contributions to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), he lamented that many traders are now forced to operate on the streets under harsh weather conditions.

“We were law-abiding traders who contributed to the development of Kejetia, yet we are now struggling under the scorching sun and rain. We are appealing to the authorities to consider our plight and prioritize us when the allocation of Phase 2 stores begins,” Mr. Kwarteng stated.

Other traders at the press conference echoed similar concerns, highlighting significant financial losses since their displacement. They urged President Mahama, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the Ashanti Regional Minister to intervene and ensure fairness in the allocation process.

The traders also called on the government and city authorities to maintain transparency in distributing the new stores, emphasizing that they have waited for years for a permanent business space.

The second phase of the Kumasi Kejetia/Central Market redevelopment project aims to provide modern trading spaces to accommodate displaced traders and enhance the city’s business environment. However, concerns over fair allocation are already surfacing, with various trader groups advocating for their share in the project.

The Kejetia Petty Traders Association has vowed to continue engaging the relevant authorities until their concerns are addressed, warning that any unfair allocation could lead to unrest within the trading community.