The Ghanaian government has announced that work on the second phase of the Kumasi Central Market redevelopment is expected to resume in October 2026. This follows renewed discussions between the government and the contractors handling the project. The project had stalled, causing frustration among traders and stakeholders. Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, made the disclosure at a stakeholder meeting involving market traders and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
According to Mr Agyeman Boadi, negotiations with the project's contractor and consultant have yielded an agreement for construction to resume. Arrangements have also been made to secure the resources required to move the project forward. He expressed confidence that the redevelopment of Phase Two of Kejetia would begin in October. The Mayor attributed his confidence to recent engagements with the professionals responsible for the project.
The original financing concept for the project was to use revenue generated from completed sections of the market to support the development of subsequent phases. The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has generated GH¢89 million from Phase One since the facility was commissioned in 2018. This revenue was expected to support the development of Phase Two. However, the project has remained incomplete for several years, causing frustration among traders and stakeholders.
The planned development is expected to significantly expand the existing Kejetia complex. It will provide 3,760 counter shops, more than 6,000 lockable shops, and a transport terminal capable of accommodating 600 vehicles. The €248 million contract for the project was signed in December 2018, with an original completion period of 48 months.
Project consultant Tony Yeboah of Avangarde Design Services provided an update on the project's status. He indicated that the development had reached 68 per cent overall completion. Procurement was 84 per cent complete, while engineering works had reached 99 per cent. However, construction activities stood at 49 per cent. Mr Yeboah also disclosed that €171 million had so far been paid towards the project since its commencement.
Mr Agyeman Boadi reaffirmed the government's determination to complete both the second and third phases of the redevelopment. He emphasized that the project is one that is dear to the heart of the President and government. The government has given all its energies to the project. He also cautioned traders against falling victim to individuals claiming to be collecting premiums for shops at the unfinished facility.
The planned resumption of construction has generated renewed expectations among traders and residents. They are looking forward to the completion of the facility to ease congestion and improve conditions at Kumasi's major commercial centre. The government has urged traders not to make payments to any person or organisation claiming to be acting on behalf of the Assembly. Reports that allocation of stalls had already begun were false, the government warned.
Key points
- The Kumasi Central Market Phase II redevelopment is expected to provide 3,760 counter shops, more than 6,000 lockable shops, and a transport terminal capable of accommodating 600 vehicles.
- The project had stalled for several years, causing frustration among traders and stakeholders.
- The government has generated GH¢89 million from Phase One of the project since its commissioning in 2018.
