Kumasi: Afful Nkwanta traders protest 800% market rate hike by KMA
Traders at the Afful Nkwanta Market in Kumasi are up in arms over an 800% increase in market rates by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA).
The annual market rate has skyrocketed from GH¢38 to GH¢360, a move the traders describe as exorbitant.
At a press conference held at the market on Thursday, October 30, 2025, the traders expressed strong dissatisfaction with the new rate plan introduced by the Sub-Metro, the Financial Committee, and the KMA.
According to the traders, they had not been paying taxes since the retirement of the previous collector in 2024, but KMA officials suddenly reintroduced the levy with a massive increase, insisting traders must pay the new rate retroactively for 2024.
The Public Relations Officer for the market, Mr. Isaac Adjei, questioned the rationale behind the increment, citing that other markets, such as Asafo Market, which previously paid GH¢96, were allowed to settle the old rate for 2024 before the increment to GH¢240 took effect.
He called on the government, KMA, and Sub-Metro authorities to clarify the situation and engage the traders, warning that they would resist payment until a fair resolution is reached.
The traders are demanding a review of the new rates and a more transparent approach to tax collection. Until then, they have vowed to resist paying the new rates.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng
