Kumasi traders threaten protest over stalled Kejetia Phase Two project

The Combined Kumasi Central Market Traders Union has given government until the end of May 2026 to release funds and resume work on the stalled Kejetia Phase Two project or face a massive protest.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Director of Operations for the Union, Daniel Otuo Acheampong, said traders have endured severe hardships since 2021 when they were evicted from the Kumasi Central Market to pave way for the project.

“Traders have faced serious challenges since 2021, when they were evicted from the Kumasi Central Market,” Acheampong stated.

According to the Union, while some traders were relocated to the Racecourse, many remain without permanent trading spaces.

 They described conditions at the Racecourse as poor, citing bad roads, inadequate sanitation, poor lighting, and insecurity.

These challenges, they say, have hurt business and reduced customer patronage.

Traders still operating in parts of the Central Market are also battling flooding, offensive sewage odour, and debris, raising health concerns.

The Union recalled that Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang had earlier assured that work would resume in March 2026, but that has not happened.

 They believe funding constraints may be responsible and are urging government to immediately release funds to continue the project.

The traders are also demanding a change in management, proposing that the market be handed over to a competent private entity to ensure efficiency and improved security.

They further appealed to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to intervene.

“The Union has warned that failure by government to act by the end of May 2026 will force them to take a massive course of action,” Acheampong added.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng