The Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has instructed the current management of the Kumasi City Market to step aside citing persistent inefficiencies.
The decision follows the instructions of the traders’ council leaders, who have called for a complete restructuring of the market’s administration.
According to the traders, poor management has led to worsening conditions, making it difficult for them to operate smoothly.
”We raised concerns that it would be deemed fit for each shop owner to get his or her meter. Of the 7,200 shops, the administrative block and all other rooms within the facility are hooked to one meter.’’
Nana Prempeh, President of Kejetia Traders Association
A key issue fueling their frustration is the long-standing power crisis. The traders insist they regularly pay their monthly electricity bills to market management, yet the facility reportedly owes the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) over GHS 2,000,000 in arrears. This has resulted in frequent power outages, disrupting their businesses and making trading conditions unbearable.
Beyond the electricity crisis, the Secretary of Kumasi City Market Traders’ Union Micheal Adu Gyamfi speaking on the situation raised concerns about the poor state of infrastructure within the market. They accused the current management of failing to maintain the facility, leaving them to work under unsafe and deteriorating conditions.
“We are of the view that there should be a total overhaul and a total reform so that we can open a new bid for us to get the maximum benefits that we are desiring from the market.’’
Micheal Adu Gyamfi Secretary of Kumasi City Market Traders’ Union
The traders argued that a competitive and transparent bidding process should be conducted to appoint a new management team that is more competent and responsive to their concerns.
Regional Minister Intervenes
Following the traders’ petition, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) has taken decisive action by asking the market’s current management to step aside. In response to the crisis, an interim management committee has been established to oversee market operations until a substantive Kumasi Mayor is appointed.
In a statement signed by Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, the Coordinating Council acknowledged receiving multiple complaints from traders and other stakeholders regarding the poor management of the market. The statement emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the allegations raised.
To ensure a thorough investigation into the allegations, the current management has been asked to step aside, and an interim management committee has been formed.
The newly formed interim management committee is expected to address the traders’ grievances and ensure the smooth operation of the market. Some of the key issues that require immediate attention include; Resolving the electricity debt crisis ensuring a stable power supply and implementing individual electricity meters for traders to prevent unfair billing.
Also, it calls for addressing structural deficiencies by conducting necessary repairs to improve safety.
Traders are hopeful that the interim committee will take their concerns seriously and work towards sustainable solutions.
The Kumasi City Market has long been a vital commercial hub, but ongoing mismanagement has created significant challenges for traders.
Their demand for change has finally led to the intervention of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, which has set up an interim management committee to address the market’s pressing issues.
The coming weeks will be crucial as traders eagerly await improvements in market conditions. With their livelihoods at stake, they expect swift and decisive action to restore order, efficiency, and fairness in managing one of Ghana’s busiest marketplaces while awaiting the appointment of a Mayor.
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