Security Council gives Kejetia traders ultimatum to vacate streets

The Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has given a two-week ultimatum to traders doing business on pavements and roads at Kejetia in the Central Business District (CBD) of Kumasi, to vacate those areas in their own interest.

“We have no intention to destroy anybody’s business, however, the right thing must be done to ensure the free flow of traffic in and around Kejetia,” Mr. Simon Osei-Mensah, the Regional Minister and Chairman of the Council, told a News conference in Kumasi.

The directive, he said, was part of preparations towards the inauguration of the completed first phase of the Kejetia/Central Market Re-development project, which commenced three years ago.

Work done in the first phase of the multi-million project included; construction of arterial roads linking Kejetia, bus terminal and shops, fire and police stations, a clinic, sewage system, amongst others.

Some traders taking advantage of the project virtually took over arterial roads linking the facility, and all efforts by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to get them relocated had been fruitless.

Mr. Osei-Mensah said the recalcitrant traders had the option to relocate to any of the 34 satellite markets dotted across the city, saying those who disrespected the REGSEC’s directive would face the full rigours of the law.

“No trader would be allowed to sell on the streets after the ultimatum,” the Regional Minister cautioned.