Construction on Kejetia Market phase II to resume, traders ordered to vacate by 5 August

Construction works on phase two of the Kejetia/Central Market Redevelopment Project are set to resume later this month, authorities have said.

The construction firm, Contracta, is prepared to return to the site and restart full operations following government assurances of timely fund disbursement. A planned decongestion exercise is expected by 5 August to facilitate the completion of the project.

Mr Emmanuel Danso, the Liaison Officer for the company executing the project issued the directive.

During a tour with the Security Taskforce around the Kejetia-Central Market on Monday (29 July), Danso highlighted the urgent need to relocate traders to facilitate the continuation of construction work.

He also warned that the security joint operations team would enforce the relocation if traders did not comply within the given timeframe.

“Today, during our site visit, we observed that traders had occupied our entry and exit routes, which could impact our operations. At Contracta, safety is a top priority, and we are committed to preventing any potential issues as we complete this project. To address this, we have partnered with the police and deployed flagmen to manage both pedestrian and vehicular traffic”, Danso explained.

“We envisage that the city authorities in Kumasi will deploy a taskforce to ensure compliance,” he added.

The stalled project has been on hold for over a year since the construction firm left the site and terminated workers due to delayed funding.

The delay has been attributed to the government’s domestic debt restructuring program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which impacted the release of funds.

Kumasi Mayor Samuel Pyne in an interview confirmed that, “We had a recommencement meeting on Thursday (18 July) in Kumasi. Given the 13-month hiatus, it’s essential to re-engage workers. The company has all the necessary materials and is currently reassessing those left on-site to ensure their suitability. The Finance Minister has provided an assurance letter for prompt payment.”

The €248 million project, which began in May 2019, was initially slated for completion within 48 months. However, various setbacks have delayed its progress. The project site has become overgrown with weeds and a haven for reptiles, leaving traders in temporary, inadequate shelters exposed to the elements.

Traders affected by the delay have protested, threatening to vote against the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming 2024 elections. Following successful negotiations with the IMF, funds have now been released, allowing the project to move forward.

Once completed, the project will feature 6,500 leasable commercial spaces, 5,400 closed stores, 800 kiosks, 50 restaurants, and additional facilities including a fire station, police station, and a mini-theatre.

Despite the resumption, the Kumasi Mayor acknowledged that the project is unlikely to be finished before the December election.

“The project was originally due for completion in February this year. With the 13-month delay, it’s clear that we cannot wrap up the work in three to four months. It will extend beyond 5 months, and realistically, we won’t finish before the election,” he added.

Reporting By Jonathan Ofori, Asaase Newsroom, Kumasi

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