Traders’ mistrust impedes reconstruction of Kumasi market

Issues of mistrust are playing out heavily in the quest of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to temporarily resettle traders to pave way for the reconstruction of the Kumasi Central Market.

Government has secured a Brazilian funding for an upgrade of the market facility to a modern status.

But engagements between the city authority and affected traders for project take off have so far failed to yield the requisite results.

First, it was traders at the central market that agitated the relocation arrangement, expressing fears they may lose their trading space when the project in completed.

Now, traders at the Kejetia Lorry Terminal are also resisting a planned relocation exercise by the city authority.

The relocation is part of arrangements for the temporary resettlement of the Central market traders.

The Kejetia traders have promised a showdown if the assembly fails to adequately address their concerns.

They complain of inadequate time for relocation and lack of space at earmarked market resettlements.

Public Relations Officer at the KMA, Godwin Okumah Nyame, says the Assembly is in the process of engaging the traders to address their concerns.