A renewed decongestion drive at the Kejetia Market has triggered contrasting reactions from traders and the Kumasi Youth Association (KuYA), after Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi issued a directive aimed at clearing encroachment around the busy commercial enclave.
In a statement on Monday, KuYA appealed to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to adopt a “human-centred” and consultative approach as enforcement begins, warning that abrupt actions could disrupt livelihoods during the peak December trading season.
The group urged the Mayor to provide clear alternative spaces before relocating traders and to intensify public education on any planned reorganization.
KuYA said many traders depend heavily on Christmas-season sales to support their households and stressed that the ongoing construction of Phase II of the Kumasi Central Market limits available alternative spaces.
However, a separate statement from the Federation of Kumasi Traders and the Combined Kejetia Traders Association backed the mayor’s move, saying congestion at the facility’s fourteen entrances was affecting business, restricting access, and posing safety risks.
The group said its planned closure of the administration block of the Kejetia Market Complex had been suspended following engagement with the mayor.
The traders referenced reports from the Ghana National Fire Service and contractors raising concerns about congestion and safety hazards within the market, adding that rising service charges and operational costs have worsened conditions for shop owners.
The KMA has not yet announced a detailed timeline for the decongestion exercise, but both groups called for continued dialogue to prevent tensions and ensure what they described as the long-term sustainability of Kumasi’s largest trading hub.
Source: metrotvonline.com
