For two years, traders at the Kumasi Kejetia Market have endured hardship after a devastating fire ravaged a sizable portion of the market.
Despite numerous promises from the then-ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, no concrete action was taken to restore the affected areas.
Now, in just two weeks, in office the Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene, under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, has made significant progress toward renovation.
This stark contrast exposes the NPP’s failure to prioritize the welfare of traders.
The Fire Incident and Initial Government Response
In 2022, a fire outbreak at the Kejetia Market displaced several traders, rendering their shops unusable.
The architectural design of the market further complicated the situation, making it unsafe for continued operations.
The fire’s aftermath saw a wave of high-profile visits from top government officials, including then-Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, former Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Local Government Minister Dan Botwe, and Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen.
They, along with the leadership of the NPP, including General Secretary Justin Frimpong Koduah, made financial donations and assured traders of swift intervention.
Despite these grand gestures, real action never followed. The government formed a committee under Dan Botwe to investigate the fire and propose solutions, but its findings were never made public.
This lack of transparency fueled public speculation that the committee was merely a bureaucratic exercise and a waste of taxpayer money.
The promised renovation never materialized, leaving traders stranded and deepening their frustration.
Two Years of Neglect
The failure of the NPP government to act decisively raised questions about its commitment to the economic well-being of traders in Kumasi.
The traders, many of whom rely on daily sales for survival, were forced to operate in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
The committee’s silence and the government’s inaction signaled a lack of urgency, even as affected traders continued to voice their grievances.
This neglect became a significant political disadvantage for the NPP, as it demonstrated the party’s inability to deliver on its promises.
Instead of taking proactive steps to restore the market, government officials remained passive, allowing the issue to fester.
Dr. Frank Amoakohene’s Swift Intervention
In just two weeks, newly appointed Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has done what his predecessors failed to accomplish in two years. Upon assuming office, he swiftly met with the management of Kumasi City Markets, the entity responsible for overseeing the market.
He then engaged Brazilian construction firm Contracta, the original builders of the market, to commence renovation.
During his visit to the market, Dr. Amoakohene assured traders that work on the affected area would begin immediately and would be completed within two weeks.
This proactive approach has reinvigorated hope among traders and demonstrated that political will and efficiency can yield rapid results.
Political Implications: A Victory for the NDC
Dr. Amoakohene’s intervention is not just a win for Kejetia Market traders—it also gives the NDC a significant political advantage over the NPP. By taking decisive action where the previous administration failed, the NDC can rightfully claim that it prioritizes the economic well-being of traders in Kumasi.
This development underscores the broader debate about governance and accountability. While the NPP spent two years making promises and setting up committees with no results, the NDC has, in a matter of weeks, demonstrated tangible progress.
For many Ghanaians, this raises concerns about the NPP’s governance style and its commitment to addressing pressing economic issues.
The NPP government’s failure to renovate the Kejetia Market after the fire disaster is a glaring example of neglect and inefficiency.
Despite promises and financial donations, the traders were left to struggle in deplorable conditions for two years.
The formation of a committee that never released its findings only added to the frustration.
In contrast, Dr. Frank Amoakohene’s quick intervention has restored faith in leadership and governance.
His proactive approach highlights the difference between mere political rhetoric and real action. As traders eagerly await the completion of renovation works, this situation serves as a lesson on the importance of accountability and the need for leaders who prioritize the needs of the people over political posturing.
Soure: Isaac Justice Bediako broadcast Journalist – Kumasi
