Traders at the Kejetia Market in Kumasi have rejected the proposal to close the market on election day, December 7, 2024. They argue that such a closure would have a detrimental impact on their livelihoods, especially given the current difficult economic conditions.
This rejection follows a suggestion by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) vice-presidential candidate, during a meeting with market representatives at the Kumasi Culture Centre.
In a statement issued on December 3, the traders expressed their disagreement, stating that they saw no valid reason for the closure.
Despite the traders’ opposition, they claim that Kumasi Mayor Samuel Pyne has directed the market management to implement the closure on election day.
The traders stressed that the closure of the market on December 7 would exacerbate their financial struggles, particularly as the preceding day, Friday, December 6, is a public holiday.
Below is the full statement.
OPPOSITION TO KUMASI 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 election day, December 7, 2024.
This decision follows a request from Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), during a meeting with us at the Kumasi Culture Centre, which we vehemently rejected.
Despite our initial rejection, we have learned that the Kumasi Mayor, Hon. Samuel Pyne, has instructed the market management to proceed with the closure.
We urge the market management to reconsider this decision, considering its detrimental effects on our businesses, especially given the current economic situation and the fact that Friday, December 6, 2024, is a holiday.
As the Market Queen Mothers, we stand against this decision and will fiercely resist any attempt to shut down the market.
We call on the market management to prioritize the welfare of traders and rescind the decision.
