Traders at the Kejetia Market in Kumasi have rejected a proposal to shut down the facility on election day, December 7, 2024. They argue that such a move would significantly harm their livelihoods, especially during these economically challenging times.
The suggestion for the closure was made by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), during a meeting with market representatives at the Kumasi Culture Centre. However, in a statement issued on December 3, the traders firmly rejected the idea, stating there was no valid reason to close the market on that day.
Despite the traders’ objections, they claim that Kumasi Mayor Samuel Pyne has directed the market management to proceed with the closure on election day.
The traders expressed concerns that shutting down the market would worsen their financial difficulties, particularly as Friday, December 6, is a public holiday, leaving them with limited opportunities to recover losses.
Statement from the Kumasi Kejetia Queen Mothers Association
OPPOSITION TO KUMASI KEJETIA MARKET CLOSURE ON ELECTION DAY
December 3, 2024
We, the Kumasi Kejetia Queen Mothers Association, strongly oppose the proposed closure of the Kejetia Market on December 7, 2024, for the general election.
This proposal was made by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the NPP’s running mate, during a meeting at the Kumasi Culture Centre. We categorically rejected this suggestion.
However, despite our clear opposition, we have been informed that Hon. Samuel Pyne, the Mayor of Kumasi, has instructed market management to implement the closure.
We urge the management to reconsider this decision, which would have a devastating impact on traders, especially in the current economic climate. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that December 6, a day before the election, is a public holiday.
As leaders of the traders, we stand resolute against this decision and will resist any attempts to enforce it. We appeal to the market management to prioritize the well-being of traders and reverse this directive.
Credit: Citinewsroom
