'Akufo-Addo never stepped foot here' — Krofrom market traders laud President Mahama's visit

Market women at the Krofrom Market in Kumasi say they are ready to throw their full support behind President John Dramani Mahama in the next general election—provided he fulfills his promise to complete the long-abandoned Krofrom Market project.

Their declaration follows President Mahama’s recent visit to the project site as part of his Thank-You Tour of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, July 16. During the visit, the President reaffirmed his commitment to completing the market, which has remained in a deplorable state for more than a decade.

“This market will be completed and fully operational by the end of 2026,” President Mahama assured residents. He stressed that reviving the Krofrom Market is part of the NDC government's broader agenda to improve market infrastructure nationwide.

Originally launched in 2007, the Krofrom Market has since stalled, leaving the site partially developed and taken over by criminals and reptiles, much to the frustration of local traders and residents.

In interviews with OTEC News, several traders—visibly elated by the President’s visit—voiced their trust in his promise. They said Mahama's physical presence at the site alone signals seriousness and commitment.

“The former president Akufo-Addo never stepped foot here throughout his eight years in power,” one of the women remarked. “But Mahama has come, and that gives us hope.”

Others lamented the harsh conditions they endure daily due to the market's poor state—leaking roofs, congestion, and lack of proper sanitation facilities—and said the completion of the project would be a game-changer for their businesses.

President Mahama’s visit has rekindled expectations in Krofrom, with the traders making it clear: if the project is completed as promised, their political loyalty will follow.