The Chief Executive Officer of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Sam Pyne, has assured members of the United Petty Traders Association of permanent space within the central business district (CBD) to ply their trade.
This is in an effort to ease human and vehicular congestion within certain areas of the CBD, he explained – allowing for the free flow of traffic.
The mayor gave this assurance when executives and some members of the United Petty Traders Association met with him to discuss the way forward for them, since their continuous stay on the pavements is not appropriate.
“I am glad they have admitted they are working at unauthorised places (pavements) within the CBD, and have made plans to help the assembly manage the situation. We also admit there are challenges with where they can get to ply their trade. What we can do to help is manage the situation; let them move away from the pavement so pedestrians can have a pathway to walk on,” Sam Pyne said.
Mr. Pyne further hinted that work at the stalled Kejetia Redevelopment project phase II will soon commence. He therefore appealed for the traders to exercise restraint as measures are put in place to address their concerns.
“With the Kejetia Market phase II project, it is not intentional that work has halted on that facility; government’s debt restructuring has put a lot of projects on hold. We have taken bold steps to get contractors back to work. I would like to assure everyone that, very soon, the contractors will be back there to continue work.
“When completed, the ground floor will be a car park and the first floor will be for the traditional market. We are also working assiduously on the Krofrom Market project and other areas. We want to get a good place for them,” he said.
UPTA petition to Mayor
The meeting between members of the United Petty Traders Association and city authorities in Kumasi was meant to air some grievances held by the association.
Chairman-United Petty Traders Association, Emmanuel Amoah who led his members told the city authorities they have realised their continuous stay on pavements within the CBD to trade is not the best, and they are planning on ways to ensure their stay does not cause any trouble.
In view of this, Mr. Amoah requested that a section of the Kejetia Market redevelopment project phase II be given to their members who can afford it – especially the section which has been demarcated for a traditional market. According to Mr. Amoah, those sections have places for tables and smaller cubicles which should not be too costly; therefore, city authorities should consider the UPTA members when work at the site is completed.
Mr. Amoah further touched on the Krofrom Market that has stalled for several years. According to the UPTA leader, this market can contain some of their members when ready; hence the need for government to expedite work at the facility.
Mr. Amoah on behalf of the UPTA, promised to assist city authorities with their clean-up exercises and pay their tolls and levies as a way of showing appreciation and responsibility to city authorities, especially the current administration, for allowing them to work freely without any form of interference.
