Second-hand clothes dealers and other traders, who were relocated from the central market to the racecourse market due to the redevelopment project of the Kumasi Central Market, are planning a five-day continuous demonstration over the halted project.
These traders, affected by the stalled project, have voiced their frustration and are considering campaigning against the current government.
The redevelopment project of the Kumasi Central Market, which commenced in 2020 under the New Patriotic Party government, aimed to provide a better trading environment for businesses.
However, the project was paused due to the 2022 Debt Restructuring Programme. Despite promises that the project would restart after securing funds from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the government has not made any progress.
Joseph Marfo, the Secretary of the Second-Hand Clothes Sellers Association, spoke to Citi News about their daily challenges and plans as an association.
“We are traders moved from the central market to this place by the government over the central market redevelopment project. When we moved here, we took out a bank loan to erect these structures for our trading activities. After setting up the structures, our fellow traders have abandoned the place because the environment is not conducive for trading; the dust here is unbearable.”
“The central market project has also been abandoned by the government, so our people are suffering. Some are sick, others are dying because of the stress and frustration resulting from the stalled project. We have complained several times, but nothing has been done, so we are embarking on a five-day demonstration,” he stated.
Obeng Samuel, Leader of the Central Market Traders Association, expressed his disappointment in the government and threatened to campaign against the ruling party.
“We are very serious about this demonstration, and this is even the least of the activities we will be undertaking because we are struggling. We voted for the New Patriotic Party to help us, but they have abandoned us. We have lodged several complaints, but none of the leaders are paying attention to us.”
“They claim there is no money, but we have realized their actions are intentional, so we have decided to do what will make us comfortable. I campaigned and convinced people to vote for NPP because we thought they would be of help, but they have disappointed us, so we are going to campaign against them to remove them from office,” he stated.
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