Traders at Kumasi’s Kejetia Market have opposed a proposal to shut the market on December 7, 2024, election day, arguing that such a move would severely impact their already strained livelihoods amid the current economic challenges.
The suggestion, raised by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), during a meeting with market representatives at the Kumasi Culture Centre, was firmly rejected by the traders.
In a statement issued on December 3, the traders criticized the proposal as unjustified and harmful. Despite their objections, the Kumasi Mayor, Samuel Pyne, has reportedly directed the market’s management to enforce the closure.
The traders expressed concerns that the market’s closure, combined with the public holiday on Friday, December 6, would intensify their financial difficulties.
Excerpts from the Traders’ Statement:
Opposition to Kejetia Market Closure on Election Day
December 3, 2024
“We, the Kumasi Kejetia Queen Mothers Association, strongly oppose the planned closure of the Kejetia Market on December 7, 2024.
This proposal, initially suggested by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, was unanimously rejected during our meeting at the Kumasi Culture Centre. Despite this, we have learned that Kumasi Mayor Samuel Pyne has instructed the market’s management to proceed with the closure.
We urge the management to reconsider this decision due to its detrimental effects on traders’ livelihoods, especially given the public holiday on December 6.
As Market Queen Mothers, we stand united against this directive and will resist any attempt to shut down the market. We call on management to prioritize the welfare of traders and rescind this decision immediately.”
The traders insist the market remain open to ensure their financial stability during the election period.