The Kumasi Central Market Traders and Second-hand Clothes Dealers Union in the Ashanti Region have threatened to occupy and ply their trade in the under-construction Kejetia Market Phase II project.
This is an attempt to compel the government to resume construction works on the project, which has stalled for 16 months now.
According to disgruntled traders, the government had promised to make the needed payment for the resumption of work on the project after the first tranche of the International Monetary Fund loans hit the Central Bank’s coffers; however, it observed that the project has remained untouched following the release of two tranches.
Expressing their disappointment in the government, the traders said their patience had been exhausted.
“We feel utterly disappointed in the NPP government for ignoring and neglecting such a huge market complex that feeds many traders who have but only depend on market business to make ends meet. Many of our members who were evacuated from the market are still at home suffering because they do not have anywhere to ply their trade while others have taken over the streets of the Central Business District in an attempt to make ends meet under the scorching sun.”
The occupation of the uncompleted structure, they served notice, would follow five-day continued demonstrations to press home their demand for work to resume on the project.
“During the protest, we will picket and remove all the barricades on the project, and after the days of demonstrations and nothing is being heard, we will storm the incomplete market site with our goods and commodities to trade and nothing can stop us,” it said, noting discussions are underway with the Ghana Police Service for the demonstration.
It continued, “We are, therefore, sending a signal to the NPP government that we, the traders in the Ashanti Region are vigilant this time round, and they cannot fool or deceive us and later come back to canvas for our votes as the December general elections are approaching.”
Source: Opemsuo