Kumasi traders likely to clash with authorities in reconstruction of market if…

Traders at the Kumasi Central Market are not enthused at information dissemination on the planned reconstruction of the facility by government.

Parliament has approved a $298 million funding for the reconstruction project, financed by a grand from the Brazilian government.

The modern market facility is to create additional space for trading and to reduce the number of people spilling over onto the streets. The incessant outbreak of fire at the market is also expected to be curtailed.

During a recent visit to the market, Kumasi Mayor, Kojo Bonsu, stated that “ground works” for the project would start from April this year and assured the traders of a temporary site to ply their trade pending project completion.

He also allayed the traders’ fears of losing their shops when they allow the market to be rebuilt, citing what they claim to be past experiences when their colleagues in other markets cooperated with authorities.

Some of the traders say they will go on naked demonstration to resist any attempt by city authorities to evacuate them for the reconstruction of the facility.

LuvBiz enquiries however suggest the relocation of the traders is not starting any time soon.

This is because city authorities are yet to begin engagements with the interest groups for the planned relocation to pave way for project construction.

Public Relations Officer at the KMA, Godwin Okumah Nyame, explains the relocation exercise would be carried out in phases.

But transport operators at the Kejetia lorry terminal would first have to be moved to make room for the temporary resettlement of the traders.

Until arrangements with the transport operators are concluded, the resettlement of the traders would not occur.

The city authorities, therefore, have the herculean task of schooling the traders on the planned temporary resettlement program to avert resistance to the exercise.