Kejetia Traders demonstrate against relocation

Traders at the Kejetia bus terminal in Kumasi are demonstrating over their possible relocation to pave way for the reconstruction of the Central Market.

The traders are angry with the Mayor’s recent announcement at a press conference that the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) will move them to Adehyeman and Royal Markets. It is, however still unclear where transport operators will be relocated.

Parliament has approved a loan facility of $298 million for the reconstruction of the Kumasi Central Market.

The reconstruction project of the 90-year-old market, which is the biggest in West Africa, is scheduled to begin in March this year by a Brazilian firm.

The exercise has become necessary due to several fire outbreaks that have ravaged parts of the market.

In less than a year, there have been, at least four major fire outbreaks of which the causes have been attributed to illegal connections, lack of proper security posts among others.

The market, when completed will have a clinic, police post, fire service and educational facilities.