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The Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, has issued a stern directive to traders at the Kejetia Market, urging them to settle outstanding premium payments for their stalls or face eviction. Traders have been given until December 31, 2026, to clear their debts, with the KMA warning that failure to meet this deadline will result in the forfeiture of their trading spaces. This move is part of a broader effort by the assembly to stabilize the financial health of the market project and ensure the continuity of its ambitious redevelopment plans.
The delay in these premium payments has had a direct impact on the funding structure for the market's multi-phase redevelopment. According to the KMA, the timely collection of these funds is critical for servicing financial obligations and maintaining the momentum of construction. The redevelopment project has been supported by significant international investment, including a 248 million loan specifically contracted to facilitate Phase Two. Officials noted that the project is at a pivotal stage, with work on Phase Two expected to resume in October 2023 following previous delays.
In addition to the collection of current debts, the KMA Chief Executive cautioned traders against making unauthorized pre-payments for stalls in future phases of the market. This warning aims to prevent financial irregularities and ensure that the allocation process remains transparent and managed through official channels. The assembly emphasized that addressing these key operational and financial concerns is paramount to the overall success of the project, which serves as a central economic hub for Kumasi and the wider Ashanti Region.
As the December 2026 deadline approaches, the KMA is expected to intensify its engagement with the market's trading community to facilitate payment plans and resolve outstanding disputes. The successful completion of the Kejetia Market redevelopment is seen as a cornerstone of Kumasi’s modern infrastructure strategy, intended to provide a safer, more organized environment for thousands of vendors and shoppers. The assembly's firm stance underscores the government's commitment to protecting public investments and ensuring that critical infrastructure projects remain viable and self-sustaining.