The construction of Kejetia Market Redevelopment Phase II in Kumasi, Ghana, is set to resume in October, according to Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga. The announcement was made at a press briefing attended by Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Chief Executive Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi. This development brings relief to traders who have been uncertain about the fate of the market's redevelopment. The project aims to transform the once sprawling open-air market into a modern trading complex.
The Kejetia Market Redevelopment Project has been ongoing for years, with Phase I delivering new stalls and facilities that significantly changed the market's landscape. However, Phase II, which is meant to complete the redevelopment, has stalled for an extended period. The delay has caused frustration among traders and market users, who have been left in limbo about the site's future. The market, located in the heart of Kumasi, serves as a major commercial hub for the Ashanti Region and beyond.
The uncertainty surrounding the market's redevelopment and management has led to growing tensions within the market. Earlier this month, concerns were raised about shops being resold at inflated prices with little oversight. Traders' leaders, including Nana Akwesi Prempeh, have expressed frustration about the disorderly resale of shops at prices far above their original value. The announced October restart offers the first concrete timeline for traders, who depend on Kejetia for their livelihoods.
The resumption of construction is expected to bring clarity to how remaining shops and stalls will be allocated. However, officials have not yet detailed how the resale disputes raised by traders will be addressed alongside the construction restart. The KMA, as the local government authority responsible for Kumasi, oversees the market's management, while the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs provides broader policy direction for such municipal infrastructure projects.
According to graphic.com.gh, construction is set to resume in October 2026, but no further details have been given on the specific works to be carried out, the contractors involved, or a projected completion date for Phase II. It also remains unclear whether the KMA or the Local Government Ministry will introduce new measures to regulate shop resales as construction proceeds.
The Kejetia Market Redevelopment Project is a significant initiative aimed at modernizing the market and providing a better trading environment for thousands of traders. The project's success is crucial for the local economy, and the resumption of construction is a positive step towards its completion. Traders and market users will be watching closely as the project progresses.
The announcement has brought relief to traders who have been waiting for a concrete timeline for the completion of the market's redevelopment. The project's progress will be closely monitored, and stakeholders will be expecting clarity on the allocation of shops and stalls, as well as measures to address resale disputes.
Key points
- The construction of Kejetia Market Redevelopment Phase II is set to resume in October 2026.
- The project aims to transform the market into a modern trading complex.
- The resumption of construction is expected to bring clarity to shop allocation and market layout.
