Combined Kumasi Central Market Unions beseech KMA to recompense promised eviction package

The Combined Kumasi Central Market Unions are urging the government to pay promised compensation. This compensation is due after their eviction for the Kejetia Redevelopment Project.

President Akufo-Addo started construction on May 2, 2019. The project is funded by a 248 million Euro facility from UK Export Finance.

Traders say the previous NPP administration forced them to relocate. They were assured they would be reimbursed for their costs. However, leaders at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly have not fulfilled this promise.

This has caused significant hardship for affected traders. They are seeking information from former KMA Chief Executives Osei Assibey Antwi and Samuel Pyne about a $4 million compensation package.

The unions believe that funds have been disbursed but not received by traders. They suspect misappropriation of these funds and demand accountability.

Samuel Obeng, Deputy Operations of the Union, urged the current government to act. He asked for compensation to be paid promptly to those who relocated.

Concerns over decongestion in Kumasi have grown nearly five years after relocation. Traders moved from Kumasi Central Market to Racecourse Market for Phase Two of the redevelopment project.

The unions and Great Asanteman Youth Union appealed to Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene and Mayor Richard Agyemang Boadi. They want action taken against traders occupying pavements and roadsides in central Kumasi.

Racecourse Market has many vacant stalls that could accommodate about 10,000 traders. Relocating street traders there would help decongest the city and improve trading conditions.

Traders also expressed concerns about poor road access to Racecourse Market. The roads are dusty and difficult to navigate during rainy seasons, discouraging customers.

Many traders are returning to unauthorized areas around Kejetia, Adum, and Dr. Mensah due to these issues. The unions criticized city authorities for neglecting basic infrastructure needs at Racecourse Market.

They warned that unresolved issues might force them back onto the streets alongside other traders.

The unions are calling on the government and city authorities to start Phase Three of the Kejetia Redevelopment Project soon. Improving infrastructure at Racecourse Market would create a safer and more efficient trading environment in Kumasi.