A coalition of traders’ groups in the Ashanti Region has issued a stark warning to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) that it will campaign against the party in the upcoming 2024 general elections unless the government completes all abandoned market projects in the region.
A joint statement, released in collaboration with the Great Asante Man Youth Union, specifically points to projects like Phase Two of the Kejetia Market, which along with others, has seen little progress since the renegotiation of a loan agreement following Ghana’s financial bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“We are profoundly impacted by the government’s negligence. Not only does this abandonment hinder our daily business operations, but it also leaves us struggling under adverse weather conditions,” the coalition stated.
The group includes prominent associations such as the Second-hand Cloth Sellers Association and the Suame Magazine Workers Union,
The coalition highlighted four major markets in the Ashanti Region that have been left uncompleted: the Krofrom Market, Mamponteng Market, Santasi Market and Phase Two of the Kejetia Market.
They have called upon His Majesty, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Ashanti Queen Mother, Nana Konadu Yiadom, to intervene and help facilitate the completion of these vital infrastructure projects.
“Their influence is crucial in expediting these developments which are critical not just for our livelihoods but for the growth of the entire region,” the statement read.
The group has also warned that if their demands are not met, they will support a five-day demonstration already planned by traders from the Central Market and second-hand cloth sellers.
The coalition also issued an ultimatum to the contractors at the Kejetia project site: “Remove all barricades before we take matters into our own hands. We are prepared to clear the site ourselves to continue our businesses if progress is not evident.”
The traders’ groups are adamant about their stance and expressed their disappointment with the ruling government, particularly given the NPP’s historical stronghold in the Ashanti Region.
“We have been loyal supporters of the development agenda, but our patience is wearing thin,” they warned.
