Traders’ relocation to Kejetia market reaches advanced stage

The Kumasi City Markets Limited, managers of the new Kejetia market, is almost through with preparations for the relocation of traders to the ultra-modern facility, Mr. Osei Assibey-Antwi, the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), has disclosed.

In line with this, a symbolic ceremony to present relevant and valid documents to deserving traders aimed at facilitating their movement to the new facility, took place on Thursday, July 11, 2019, at the Centre for National Culture (CNC), Kumasi.

In attendance were the MCE, Oheneba Owusu Afriyie IV, Apagyahene and the leadership of the Kejetia Traders Association.

The event that brings finality to the resettlement of the original traders back the Kejetia Market, after the completion of the project which started four years ago is a huge respite to the traders.

The traders who were plying their businesses in the Kejetia enclave had to be relocated to the other satellite markets in the city in order to pave way for the construction of the multi-million dollar project, executed by Messrs Contracta Engenharia Limitada of Brazil.

It is the first phase of the Kejetia/Central Market Redevelopment Project, which has a total of 8, 420 leasable commercial spaces, comprising 6, 940 lockable stores, 1, 420 counter stores and 60 food courts and restaurants.

Other key facilities in the first phase include a public transport terminal, banking agencies, police and fire stations, post offices, fuel and gas storage tanks, waste separation dock, sewage treatment station and crèche.

“Managers of the new facility are allocating stores first to the original traders who occupied the old Kejetia,” Mr. Assibey-Antwi emphasized, adding that the facility would operate as a commodity market for efficient management and identification.

The first batch of traders billed to move into the new facility, according to the authorities, are those dealing in cosmetics, phones, electronics, bags, jewelry, amongst others.

The MCE stressed that a complaints’ desk had been established to address emerging challenges that may be associated with the traders’ relocation to ensure a successful exercise.

Nana Akwasi Prempeh, an Executive Member of the Kejetia Traders Association, on behalf of the traders, congratulated the authorities for working assiduously to get the traders to finally resettle.

“We have gone through many difficulties as our businesses were affected, following our relocation,” he told the Ghana News Agency (GNA), and advised his colleagues to be law-abiding when they are officially given their stores at the new facility.