Traders at Kumasi Central Market have threatened to relocate their goods and commodities to the unfinished market site if the construction firm does not remove all barricades by Sunday, May 19, 2024.
This ultimatum is a response to what the traders describe as prolonged delays in completing the market’s second phase.
In a petition dated May 14, 2024, they expressed their frustration with the Akufo-Addo administration, citing negligence and failure to complete the project, which has negatively impacted their businesses due to unsuitable conditions.
The project has been stalled for over a year and a half because of the renegotiation of a loan agreement following Ghana’s decision to seek a financial bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The traders accused the government of ignoring their pleas and failing to meet completion deadlines.
To press their demands, the traders have planned a five-day continuous demonstration to advocate for the resumption of work on the project.
They have given Contracta Construction Company Limited a seven-day ultimatum to remove all barricades around the site or face the consequences of their occupation.
Additionally, the traders are in discussions with the Ghana Police Service to secure permission for their demonstration, in accordance with Article 21(1d) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana.