The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has announced that it is channeling its share of the 24-hour economy market funds into the stalled reconstruction of the Krofrom Market.
Chief Executive of KMA, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, confirmed that 25 percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund earmarked for the government’s 24-hour economy initiative will be dedicated to completing the Krofrom project.
Speaking in an interview on The Pulse on JoyNews monitored by Kumasimail, Mr. Agyeman emphasized that no other market project could take precedence over Krofrom.
“There cannot be any 24-hour market beyond Krofrom,” he said, noting that the market is not only a presidential priority but also a personal commitment given his residence in the community.
According to him, President Mahama has directed that the project be completed by December 2026 for commissioning.
“The president has tasked us to complete it, and that is what we are going to celebrate with by Christmas 2026,” he stated.
The announcement follows parliamentary discussions led by Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, who explained that the 24-hour economy model markets will be piloted across Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to boost local trade and employment.
On June 3, 2025, the Minister of Finance briefed Parliament on allocations under the District Assemblies Common Fund, stressing that Cabinet had approved guidelines to ensure prudent use of resources.
Under the guidelines, 25 percent of transfers to assemblies must go into designing and constructing model markets to sustain the 24-hour economy policy.
Ofori Agyeman disclosed that initial works on the long-delayed Krofrom Market reconstruction are already being supported by these funds, with further backing expected from central government.
He insisted that excuses for delays would not be tolerated.
“If there’s any single project that commands my full attention, it is the Krofrom Market. I live at Krofrom, and I will not have any explanation for my people if I do not deliver,” the KMA boss declared.
Background:
The Krofrom Market, located in a prominent suburb of Kumasi, has a troubled history marked by long delays and stalled redevelopment.
Originally initiated in 2007 under former President John Agyekum Kuffuor’s administration, the project aimed to create a modern commercial hub for the community but has remained incomplete for over a decade.
The demolition of the old market structure to pave the way for redevelopment has instead resulted in a ruinous, overgrown site that has become a hotspot for criminal activities such as armed robbery and drug use.
Traders and residents of Krofrom have expressed deep frustration, as the abandoned site has severely impacted livelihoods and the local economy. Many displaced traders have been forced to relocate to other markets, and the community has suffered emotionally and economically due to the delay.
Efforts to secure funding and complete the project have faced numerous setbacks, making Krofrom Market a symbol of broken promises and neglect.
Despite the challenges, President Mahama has committed to completing the market by the end of 2026, pledging full support to revive the market and restore it as an economic lifeline for the community.
source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
