Traders on pavements and rehabilitated roads at the Kejetia terminal were on Tuesday directed to vacate the area and resettle at the abandoned Kumasi Race Course with immediate effect.
Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, who announced this at a meeting with the traders in Kumasi, spent three hours touring the "market area" to briefed traders on the rationale behind their resettlement.
He said force would not be used to eject the traders, rather they will persuaded to abide by the directive to leave peacefully. He, however, asked them to report or arrest anyone who attempts to collect money from them or acquires more than one plot in the new area.
The Regional Minister noted that there is too much filth in the metropolis with foodstuffs, fruits and vegetables being sold on the ground in an unhygienic manner, adding: "all of us should assist to make the metropolis clean".
Last Monday, Mr Boafo, accompanied by officials of the Kumasi Metropolitan Authority (KMA) and Urban Roads, inspected the Race Course.
He assured the traders who complained of the poor nature of the area and insecurity that access roads would be rehabilitated. A lighting system and a place of convenience would also be provided to upgrade the site.
The minister warned those who fail to leave the area for the new site that their plots would be given to other people.
Mr Amponsah Mensah, Kumasi Metropolitan Engineer, said the new site, which belongs to the Kumasi Turf Club, needs to be acquired by the KMA formally for the traders.
