The Kumasi City Market Traders Union, a coalition of trade associations, and other independent traders have stated their determination to oppose any attempt to admit new traders to the Kumasi City Market space.
According to the unhappy traders, this threat is directed at all players, particularly some of the Combined Kejetia Traders Association leadership who have previously been known actors in such a move.
Acting Public Relations Officer for the Association Emmanuel Kwarteng told Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm that as part of the redevelopment project, plans were adopted to make the work of traders better.
However, several of them could not have access to the market after the project was completed.
Some individuals have left Ghana for greener pastures, while others remain at home, he lamented.
He explained that to get a space, there are procedures to follow, but the management of the market has congested the market with new people.
He lamented that the current state of the market was not the best, and should a disaster strike, it would be difficult to evacuate traders.
He said they have petitioned the management over the matter, but their several appeals have not been addressed.
As a result, he has warned authorities that “if our concerns are not addressed, we will give the government a showdown.” The last government did the same thing and booted them out. Our tax payers’ money was used to construct the market. We anticipate that traders’ interests will be protected.
But, based on what is happening, it appears that they are uninterested in our concerns. As a result, we are conveying this warning to the President and his appointees. We’ll give them a showdown, and this is not a joke. Kumasi City Market Traders has nearly 3,000 members. There are other traders, so if we wish to give them a showdown, we will. When the time comes, we will give them the showdown.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana