By Agatha Asamoah
Traders in Kumasi and surrounding areas have issued a warning to the New Patriotic Party government, criticizing their neglect of certain market projects.
The traders noted that for the last six months, progress on various market projects in the region has ceased, following the government’s decision to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund, IMF.
They identified four market projects that have been left incomplete, namely the Krofrom, Mamponteng, Santasi Markets, and Phase Two of the Kejetia Market.
A statement issued by the traders in the Ashanti Region have threatened to protest against the government if their concerns are not resolved.
The group also emphasized that the inaccessibility of these abandoned markets has forced traders to sell their goods under unsuitable conditions, which deteriorate further with rainfall.
The statement added that their livelihoods are greatly affected by adverse weather conditions as each rainfall turns their marketplaces into muddy quagmires, while the scorching sun blankets the area in dust, making it difficult for them to operate effectively.
The traders’ union earnestly appealed to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu to intervene to lend his support and influence towards the restoration and completion of all abandoned markets in the region.
The group also pleaded with the Ashanti Queen Mother, Nana Konadu Yiadom, who holds jurisdiction over all markets in the Ashanti Region.
The group stated that if the demands do not yield any result, they will join the Central Market and second-hand cloth sellers to demonstrate against the government.
