By King Amoah, Kumasi.
The devastating Adum fire has ignited a fierce call for reform within the Kumasi City Market, with the Kumasi Central Market Traders Union (KCMTU) demanding a complete overhaul of its management architecture to prevent a potential collapse of the vital trading hub.
Years of alleged mismanagement, spiraling debts, and crumbling infrastructure have pushed the market to the edge, culminating in a plea for intervention from the Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene.
The KCMTU has painted a grim picture of the market’s current state, highlighting a litany of issues including billing irregularities, faulty electricity meters, and structural decay.
In an exclusive interview with Mr Johnson Kwabena Ankrah Chairman of the Union, claims that the current administration’s incompetence has reached such a point that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) reportedly refuses to engage with them regarding the market’s staggering debt.
This alleged dysfunction led to a remarkable situation where the ECG only agreed to negotiate with the market union leadership, ultimately leading to the resolution of recent power outages.
Spearheaded by Nana Anim Akan II (Francos) and Chairman Johnson Kwabena Ankrah, the KCMTU has tirelessly worked to alleviate the market’s financial burden, successfully slashing over Ghc 10 million from the outstanding debt of Ghc 23 million owed to the ECG.
This effort Johnson Kwabena Ankrah reiterated underscores the Union’s commitment to the market’s survival and their willingness to take proactive measures where management has allegedly failed.
The Kumasi City Market Traders Union (KCMTU) Chairman Ankrah disclosed reportedly took their demands directly to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, in a recent meeting.
Post-meeting, the traders reiterated their commitment to advocating for their welfare and insisted on drastic changes within the market’s management.
Responding to the urgent situation, Minister Amoakohene acknowledged the complexities of the issues and directed the immediate establishment of an interim three-member committee to oversee the market’s affairs.
This interim measure is intended to bridge the gap while investigations are conducted and lasting solutions are developed to address the multifaceted challenges plaguing the market.
Mr. Ankrah further attributed many fire outbreaks within the Kejetia market, including the recent Adum fire, to factors like political influence and the use of unsafe cooking practices and materials.
He emphasized the critical need for management change to ensure proper safety and security for traders, as well as to create a more conducive environment for effective business operations within the market.
“We are calling for change in management at the Kumasi City Market ultimately to avoid future fires and also ensure proper safety and security of the traders as well as decency to enhance effective business activities within the market enclave,” Ankrah observed.
The future of the Kumasi City Market hinges on the success of the investigations and the subsequent implementation of comprehensive reforms.
The Minister’s intervention offers a glimmer of hope, but the long-term viability of this crucial economic hub relies on a fundamental shift towards transparent, competent, and accountable management.
Without such a transformation, the Kumasi City Market risks further decline and potential collapse, impacting the livelihoods of countless traders and the economic vitality of the region.
