Traders who operated along the Middle Lane of the Kumasi City Market have issued a strong demand for a refund of monies they claim were collected from them before they were abruptly evicted from the area.
The traders have accused market management, particularly the Operations Manager, Mr. Prince Nyarko, who is also said to be a special assistant to the Ashanti Regional NDC Chairman, Nana Akwasi Andrews, of overseeing the collection of the funds.
According to the aggrieved traders, they were made to pay various amounts, including GH¢6,000 and GH¢3,000, to secure trading spaces along the Middle Lane inside the market.
They claim the number of affected traders is over 400, making the total amount involved substantial.
The traders explained that after being officially permitted to trade at the location for some months, they were suddenly evicted on the grounds that the Middle Lane serves as an emergency access route and is not meant for commercial activities.
Speaking to the media, Isaac Oppong, leader of the affected traders, alleged that the monies were collected on the instructions of the Operations Manager, Prince Ofori.
Another spokesperson, Akwasi Aning, expressed frustration over the situation, stressing that the burden on traders goes beyond the initial payments, as many have incurred additional losses due to the eviction.
The traders insist that if management no longer intends to allow them to operate along the Middle Lane, then the monies collected must be refunded immediately.
Efforts to get a response from the Operations Manager, Prince Nyarko, proved unsuccessful as he declined to comment on the matter.
Meanwhile, market management has denied claims that any money was collected from the traders, further deepening the dispute.
The situation remains tense as traders await intervention and resolution from the appropriate authorities.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku