The long-awaited second phase of Kejetia Market in Kumasi, Ghana, is set to resume construction in October, bringing relief to thousands of traders who have been operating in cramped conditions. Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi made the announcement at a stakeholder engagement meeting, attended by traders and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. The project had stalled for years, causing frustration among traders.
Kejetia Market, one of the largest in West Africa, was redeveloped in an earlier phase and commissioned in 2018. However, the second phase, which aims to add thousands of trading spaces, has been incomplete for years. Traders and stakeholders have repeatedly expressed concerns about the hardship caused by the delay. Boadi attributed the renewed commitment to restarting the project to successful engagements with the contractor and consultant.
The Ghanaian government has secured the necessary funding to complete the project, with plans to use revenue collected from the market's already-completed phases to finance subsequent phases. This approach aims to reduce reliance on external funding. Although details on the specific revenue earmarked for phase two and the total cost required to finish the remaining work are scarce, the mayor emphasized the project's priority status.
The resumption of phase two construction is expected to ease overcrowding at the market, a persistent concern for traders and shoppers. The mayor cautioned traders against paying money to individuals claiming to allocate stalls in the unfinished market, dismissing rumors of shop distribution. The construction restart is anticipated to provide modern trading spaces for thousands of traders.
According to Boadi, the project has been a priority for both the presidency and the wider government, with significant effort invested in pushing it forward. The mayor's announcement has raised hopes among traders that the promised improvements will finally materialize. However, no further timeline was provided for the remaining construction or when traders can expect to move into new stalls.
The construction work is expected to restart in October 2026, with negotiations already concluded with the contractors and consultants involved. The project aims to enhance the commercial center's capacity, providing a much-needed boost to traders in Kumasi and beyond. The market's importance as a vital commercial center underscores the significance of completing the second phase.
The successful completion of Kejetia Market's second phase will not only address the traders' concerns but also contribute to Ghana's economic growth. As the construction restarts, stakeholders will be monitoring progress closely, anticipating the positive impact on the local economy and the trading community.
Key points
- Kejetia Market phase two construction to restart in October 2026
- Project aims to add thousands of trading spaces, easing overcrowding
- Government to use revenue from completed phases to finance subsequent phases
