Traders at the Kejetia Market in Kumasi have strongly opposed a proposed closure of the market on election day, December 7, 2024, citing the severe economic toll it would have on their businesses. The traders argue that the current economic challenges make it impossible to justify shutting down on such a critical trading day.
The proposal, initially suggested by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), came during a meeting with market representatives at the Kumasi Culture Centre. However, the traders swiftly rejected the idea, issuing a statement on December 3 to voice their concerns.
“There is no justification for closing the market on election day,” the statement read, highlighting that the traders rely heavily on daily sales to sustain their livelihoods.
Adding to their frustrations, the traders allege that Kumasi Mayor Samuel Pyne has directed the market management to proceed with enforcing the closure despite their opposition. They warned that such a move would worsen their financial woes, especially as December 6, the day preceding the election, is a public holiday, leaving them with limited trading opportunities during a peak period.
The traders have called for reconsideration, emphasizing the need to balance electoral processes with the economic realities of the community. The development has sparked debate among stakeholders as the election day approaches.
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.
