The renewed decongestion drive at Kejetia Market in Kumasi has ignited mixed reactions among key stakeholders, reflecting the complexities of managing one of Ghana’s busiest commercial hubs. Following Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi’s directive to clear encroachments around the market, the Kumasi Youth Association (KuYA) has urged caution. KuYA’s statement emphasized the need for a “human-centred” and consultative approach, especially given the timing during the vital December trading season when many traders rely heavily on holiday sales for their livelihoods. The association called for clear communication, alternative trading spaces, and comprehensive public education to avoid disrupting the delicate balance sustaining thousands of families.
On the other hand, the Federation of Kumasi Traders and the Combined Kejetia Traders Association expressed support for the mayor’s initiative. Their backing is rooted in concerns that congestion at the market’s fourteen entrances not only stifles business efficiency but also poses safety risks, limiting movement and access for buyers and traders alike. The traders highlighted that previous plans to close certain areas, like the administration block, were temporarily suspended following discussions with the mayor, indicating ongoing negotiations. They also referenced warnings from the Ghana National Fire Service and contractors about the hazards caused by overcrowded walkways, reinforcing the need for urgent action.
The challenge is further complicated by the construction work on Phase II of the Kumasi Central Market, which reduces the availability of alternative spaces for displaced traders. This factor underlines KuYA’s plea for a phased and sensitive approach that avoids abruptly forcing traders out without adequate provisions. Both traders and youth representatives recognize the importance of a sustainable solution but differ on the methods and timing of implementation. While traders highlight operational difficulties and the unsustainable rise in service charges amid congestion, KuYA focuses on the social impact of hasty enforcement on vulnerable traders, especially during peak periods.
Although the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has not yet provided a comprehensive timeline for the decongestion exercise, there is a shared call from both parties for ongoing dialogue and cooperation. Maintaining open communication channels between the mayor’s office, trader groups, and civil organizations appears crucial to balancing economic interests with safety and urban order. The pressure to modernize and regulate Kejetia Market while preserving its role as a vital economic engine for Kumasi illustrates the delicate interplay between development and community welfare in this prominent commercial center.
Source: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku