Kumasi Traders Sound Alarm Over “Unsafe” Conditions At Kejetia Market.
The President of the Federation of Kumasi Traders, Nana Akwasi Prempeh, has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating state of the Kejetia Market popularly known as Kumasi Dubai warning that the facility is no longer safe for traders and the public.
Addressing the media today, Mr. Prempeh stated that the traders’ decision to speak out was driven by urgency and concern for both the immediate and long-term future of the market, not to target any individuals or groups.
We are at a critical point. If no action is taken now, we can boldly say Kejetia is not safe, he stressed.
According to him, the market is plagued by several operational and structural challenges, including a lack of managerial direction, external interference, and cronyism.
He further highlighted a demoralized workforce within Kumasi City Market Limited (KCML), attributing it to low salaries and unresolved demands for better conditions of service.
Mr. Prempeh also pointed to what he described as an “overloaded structure, indiscipline among traders and management, and a near-total absence of a maintenance plan.
He raised additional concerns about persistent electricity problems and inadequate firefighting systems, warning that these pose significant safety risks.
A major issue, he noted, is the uncertainty surrounding service providers. Since the market began operations in 2019, contracts for essential services such as cleaning, fumigation, security, and waste management have expired without renewal.
As a result, current service providers operate on a temporary basis, limiting their ability to invest in quality service delivery.
“This uncertainty is affecting performance across the board. Many of these service providers have serious questions to answer regarding their output,” he said.
The traders’ leader expressed frustration over what he described as prolonged neglect, stating that patience among traders has run out.
He called on authorities to urgently restore proper operations and maintenance (O&M) systems, noting that conditions were significantly better during the earlier management period.
We are fed up with the mess. Kejetia is deteriorating and reaching a breaking point, he said. “This time, no results, no rest.
Mr. Prempeh further appealed to the government to act swiftly to prevent a looming disaster, warning that continued inaction could have severe consequences.
We are at a crossroads. Authorities are watching while a disaster is being nurtured. We cannot remain unconcerned any longer, he cautioned.
Story by Bismark Mensah@A/R.
