The Mayor of Kumasi, Samuel Pyne, has refuted claims that the New Kejetia Market will be closed on Saturday, December 7, to force traders to participate in the upcoming general elections.
The rumors, reportedly spread by some disgruntled traders, alleged that the closure was ordered following a request from Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) running mate, during a meeting with Kumasi’s queen mothers.
In an interview with Channel One News, Mayor Pyne dismissed the allegations as unfounded and false. He clarified that no directive had been issued from his office to shut down the market on election day.
The Mayor also mentioned that intelligence reports indicate that some members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) may be planning to disrupt activities at the market on the day of the elections.
Mayor Pyne urged traders and the public to ignore these false claims and remain calm, assuring that efforts are being made to ensure a smooth and peaceful election process.
“Regarding the New Kejetia Market, the Assembly, Regional Security Council (REGSEC), and Municipal Security Council have not taken any decision to close down that facility because of elections.
“REGSEC, Municipal Security Council, we met Tuesday, and Wednesday and took a decision that all installations within the region be protected during the elections. We have not taken any decision to close down any of the markets within the Kumasi metropolis and across the region on election day.
“It was one National Democratic Congress (NDC) surrogate who wrote a false letter just to distract attention, some of these things need to be reported to the police because it causes fear and panic. I will officially report the matter to the regional police command for action to be taken. What we are doing is to protect all installations.”
