The aggrieved traders chided the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) for the relocation decision to pave way for the construction of the second phase of the Kejetia Central Market.
My children are in the university, one left yesterday, I was supposed to pay GHS3600 I was only able to pay GHS3,000, how do you want us to take care of our families if you claim you’re evicting us,” a trader stated in the company of over 800 other traders who had massed up the Regional Coordinating Council to protest.
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The General Secretary of the City Market Traders Union, Richard Boamah in an interview with the ClassFM expressed worry about the decision by the KMA.
“We came to see the father of the land, that’s the Regional Minister, about some mishappenings in the market to seek clarification in the first place. So if you see us here this morning, it’s not a demonstration.
You can see we’re in black and red, yes we’re mourning, we’re in very dangerous times. It’s very disturbing because this is where we make our livelihood. It’s very heartbreaking, so I’ll say we’re mourning not demonstrating,” he stated.
Mr. Boamah bemoaned that there was no consultation whatsoever with them before the actions by the authorities.
How the barricading was done actually prevented people from opening their shops. As I’m speaking right now, no security or task force has been set to prevent anybody from entering but there are many many traders that cannot open their shops.
It is unheard of that traders are plying their trade at a certain place, there’s been no engagement from authorities with the traders there and then you just come and all of a sudden there’s this fencing around it. It’s just unheard of, that’s why we’re here to seek clarification,” he stated.
The General Secretary further stated his disappointment about the situation and the need for the authorities to do things with a human face.
He called on the authorities not to miss-use the power they have currently anyhow, adding that “we also have a power, that is us, so we know what to do, they should listen.”
I take care of 4 children, you didn’t give us prior notice; if you want me to relocate, then go and pay my 1billion loan debt and also give me money to take care of my children then you can evict me,” a trader pointed out.
Source: Capitalnewsonline.com