The Combined Kumasi Central Market Traders Union has called on city authorities to remove all traders who continue to occupy pavements and roadsides in Kumasi’s central business district (CBD).
The union made this appeal in a press statement issued today.
The union wrote “Nearly five years ago, traders were relocated from the Kumasi Central Market to the Racecourse Market. This move was part of Phase Two of the Kejetia Redevelopment Project, aimed at decongesting the city center”.
However, the union says that the full decongestion of the Central Business District(CBD) has not been enforced.
The union, together with The Great Asanteman Youth Union, has appealed to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Agyemang Boadi, to take urgent action.
They want the authorities to remove traders who still occupy pavements and roadsides in the city center.
“We want them to urgently intervene by removing traders who continue to occupy pavements and roadsides within central Kumasi”, the statement noted.
According to the union, the Racecourse Market has many vacant stalls, including lockable stores and shared sheds, where those occupying the roadside can relocate.
“The Racecourse Market currently has numerous vacant stalls, including lockable stores and shared sheds, with a capacity to accommodate about 10,000 traders”.
They argue that moving street traders to the Racecourse Market would help reduce congestion and improve trading conditions.
“We argue that relocating street traders to the market would not only decongest the city but also enhance trading conditions.”
One major concern raised by the traders is the poor road network leading to the Racecourse Market.
They describe the roads as dusty and difficult to use, especially during the rainy season. This situation discourages customers from visiting the market.
The union accuse the city authorities of neglecting basic infrastructure needs at the Racecourse Market.
The union warned that if these problems are not resolved soon, traders may have no choice but to return to the streets alongside others.
“We accuse city authorities of failing to address basic infrastructure needs at the Racecourse Market. We warn that unless these issues are resolved, traders may have no option but to reoccupy the streets alongside their colleagues.”
Source: www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
