Race course traders in K’si call for protection

The Executive of the Race Course Traders Association in Kumasi has appealed to the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to provide security at the race course to ensure its development into a viable market.

It said when security is provided at the race course, it will help stem the increasing crime wave in the metropolis as most of the criminals, drug peddlers and addicts who terrorise people in the metropolis are based in the area.

According to Mr Patrick Oppong and Nana Ama Serwaa, executive members of the association, the development of the Race Course Market will help tremendously in decongesting the city centre.

They expressed concern that market stalls and sheds that some of their members have erected at the market have become waste disposable points for those who have made the area their permanent residential abode.

"These people do not only ease themselves in the sheds but also throw refuse in them", they said, adding that “while markets are not meant to serve residential purposes some people have turned the area into their residences”.

The executive members said the association was formed to seek and promote the welfare of the members but any time they attempt to do so they come under attack from social miscreants who have turned the area into homes and bases from where they terrorise innocent people.

The association thanked the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11, the Regional Minister, Mr S. K. Boafo and the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Maxwell Kofi Jumah, for releasing the race course for use as a lorry park and market.

They said the quest to develop the area into a viable market cannot be achieved without adequate security.

They appealed to the KMA to develop the road network at the course, eject those who have permanently settled there and are harassing innocent people and endangering the security of people and goods.

The association also urged the KMA to stop vehicles that operate at Dr Mensah, Allah Bar and other unauthorised areas to the race course to help reduce congestion in the area.