Kumasi central traders threaten to occupy uncompleted market

Traders at the Kumasi central market have threatened to relocate their goods and commodities to the uncompleted market site if the construction firm does not remove all barricades by Sunday, May 19, 2024.

This action is a response to what the traders describe as prolonged delays in completing the market's second phase.

In a petition dated Tuesday, May 14, 2024, the traders expressed their frustration with the Akufo-Addo-led government, citing negligence and failure to complete the project, which has affected their businesses due to unsuitable conditions.

The project has been on hold for over a year and a half due to the renegotiation of a loan agreement following Ghana's decision to seek a financial bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The traders have accused the government of ignoring their pleas and failing to meet the project's completion targets.

To press their demands, the traders have organized a five-day continuous demonstration, aiming to push for the resumption of work on the project.

They have issued a seven-day ultimatum to Contracta Construction Company Limited to remove all barricades around the site or face the consequences of their action.

The traders are also engaging in discussions with the Ghana Police Service to secure permission for their demonstration, in line with Article 21(1d) of the 1992 constitution of the Republic of Ghana.