By Elizabeth Punsu, Kumasi
The Kejetia Petty Traders Association leadership has called on the President John Dramani Mahama administration to consider their members when allocating stalls under the Kejetia Phase II project, once it’s completed.
According to the Association’s Chairman, Emmanuel Kwarteng, many of their members were sidelined from stall allocations during the Kejetia redevelopment project’s first phase. This, he explained, has forced several members to continue operating on the streets – a situation he described as unfavourable and unsafe for business.
The project’s second phase, when completed, is expected to include 6,500 leasable commercial spaces, 5,400 enclosed stores, 50 restaurants, 800 kiosks and other amenities such as a fire service station, police station and mini-theatre.
Speaking in an interview with Business and Financial Times (B&FT), Mr. Kwarteng reiterated the association’s appeal to government. He then congratulated the president on his swearing-in.
“We wish to congratulate H.E. President John Dramani Mahama on his victory in the recent elections and his swearing-in as president of the country. As we celebrate this milestone, we humbly request that your administration addresses the challenges faced by our members, particularly those who were excluded during the allocation of stalls in the Kejetia project’s first phase.
“Many of our members continue to struggle to access stalls or suitable operating spaces. We appeal for your office to prioritise our members’ needs in the upcoming Kejetia Phase II project, so enabling them to benefit and improve their livelihoods,” Mr. Kwarteng said.
Work on the Kejetia-Central Market redevelopment project’s second phase commenced in 2022, but was abandoned in early 2023 due to lack of funding. Traders and residents in the Ashanti Region repeatedly urged government to ensure the resumption of work, with some threatening demonstrations to press for the release of funds.
Although the resumption of work has been announced, former Kumasi Mayor Sam Pyne said it was impossible to complete project in 2024..
“The project was originally scheduled for completion in February 2024, but due to delays of about 13 months it’s clear that the remaining work will take more than 3 to 4 months. Realistically, we cannot complete it before the elections,” he stated in August 2024.
