By Elizabeth PUNSU
The Kumasi City Market Traders Union (KCMTU) has thrown its full support behind the Chief Executive of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Richard Ofori-Agyeman – popularly known as King Zuba – in his determined efforts to decongest the city.
The support of KCMTU comes after a careful assessment of the ongoing decongestion exercise and what they described as the “obstinate posture” of some traders.
KCMTU urged the mayor to adopt an aggressive yet considerate approach in tackling the persistent congestion challenges at the central business district (CBD) of Ashanti Region.
According to the union, previous decongestion attempts have failed largely due to the defiance of certain traders who repeatedly return to unauthorised locations through deceptive means.
To ensure the current campaign’s success, the union has called for firm enforcement of existing regulations – including the application of lawful punitive measures against recalcitrant traders.
“While we believe in civility and a persuasive approach, we are also convinced that firm action must be taken against those who consistently defy orders to vacate unauthorised trading areas such as streets and pedestrian walkways,” Johnson Kwabena Ankrah said during a courtesy call on the newly appointed KMA Chief Executive.
“We are advising traders who insist on occupying unauthorised locations to reflect on their actions and prioritise the general public interest over parochial concerns,” Mr. Ankrah added.
Additionally, Mr. Ankrah urged the KMA mayor to investigate possible collusion between some members of the decongestion taskforce and city guards – alleging that bribes may be influencing the continued presence of traders in restricted areas.
He further stressed the importance of preserving public comfort by ensuring free flow of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the central business district, a key objective of the decongestion campaign.
Since assuming office, King Zuba has prioritised the removal of traders operating in unauthorised areas. Last week, KMA launched a decongestion operation targetting several parts of the central business district in an effort to reduce human and vehicular congestion and improve sanitation.
A statement issued by the Assembly named the affected areas as Adum, Kejetia, Pampaso, Dr. Mensah, Zoo enclave, Dunkirk, Roman Hill, around the Kejetia Market, Adehyeman and Alarba. KMA further warned that trading in those locations and other unsanctioned areas will no longer be tolerated.
“To this end, traders are expected to remove all wooden and metal structures from their trading points as directed,” the statement added.
