The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has revealed that the government has not yet awarded a contract for the long-delayed Krofrom Market redevelopment project in Kumasi.
Speaking on DayBreak with Kojo Marfo at Fakye TV, Dr. Amoakohene confirmed that although a cost estimate for the project exists, the figures cannot be disclosed at this stage since the procurement process is still ongoing.
“Yes, we have an idea of the cost,” Dr. Amoakohene said. “But we have just opened the tender. If I mention the figure now, it could influence how contractors adjust their bids, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to disclose it.”
He added that the tendering process is expected to conclude by February 26, after which the selected contractor will receive the necessary funds to commence work on site.
“We have not awarded the contract yet,” Dr. Amoakohene stated firmly.
“Once the tender is closed and due diligence is completed, the contractor will return to site to begin construction,” he added.
The Krofrom Market project was first initiated in 2007 under former President John Agyekum Kufuor. It was designed to accommodate more than 500 shops and serve as a major commercial hub to ease congestion within Kumasi’s Central Business District.
However, the project was halted in 2008 following financial constraints, leaving the site abandoned and overgrown.
In recent years, the stalled project has become a symbol of unfulfilled promises to local traders. President John Dramani Mahama, about seven months ago, expressed his intention to revive the market as part of the government’s Market Enhancement Programme, which aims to redevelop 18 major trading centres nationwide.
During a visit, he described the market’s condition as “disheartening” and assured traders of swift action.
Addressing concerns about project funding, Dr. Amoakohene clarified that funds have already been allocated under the government’s “24-Hour Economy Markets Initiative” since the first quarter of 2025.
“This is not money we are now looking for,” he explained.
“Payments have already started, but we had to ensure proper due diligence. The previous contract proposals had excessive variations some exceeding 80 percent of the original cost which required a re-award process to ensure accountability and transparency,” he stressed.
According to the Minister, the government wants to avoid irregularities by drafting a new contract with revised clauses before releasing funds.
Source: www.Kumasimail.com
