Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has inspected the ongoing construction works at the Kejetia Market and Central Market project sites.
He said there’s the need for swift progress ahead of his scheduled meeting with President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Finance.
During his working visit, Dr. Amoakohene expressed concern over delays in completing key phases of the projects and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing challenges hindering progress.
He acknowledged significant financial commitments made towards the completion of the markets and assured traders and residents that efforts were underway to fast-track the process.
Addressing recent fire incidents at the Kejetia Market, the minister underscored the importance of fire safety measures in market structures.
He noted that the first and second floors of the market were designed with fire suppression systems, but obstructions caused by traders and unauthorized structures were affecting access to emergency exits.
“We have engaged authorities and stakeholders to ensure that access routes are cleared for emergency response,” Dr. Amoakohene stated.
He also noted that encroachments by taxi drivers and unauthorized fuel stations posed a risk to public safety, adding that a special task force had been deployed to address the situation starting the next day.
At the market Dr. Amoakohene highlighted the urgent need for sanitation improvements, describing the current situation as “a mess.
” He revealed that drainage issues had led to persistent flooding, but assured that measures were being put in place to resolve the problem.
The minister also acknowledged the concerns of displaced traders and assured them that those originally allocated spaces would be reinstated once the project was completed.
Next Steps and Government Commitment
Dr. Amoakohene assured that his upcoming meeting with President Mahama and the Finance Minister would focus on securing additional support to accelerate the completion of the market projects.
He indicated that after Phase Two of the Central Market project is completed, the government would initiate Phase Three to further expand and modernize the marketplace.
He reiterated the government’s dedication to ensuring the safety, efficiency, and timely completion of these critical infrastructure projects to support economic activity in the region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
