Kumasi Central Market phase 2 to begin in October after years of abandonment

The second phase of the Kumasi Central Market redevelopment project is set to recommence in October 2026, according to Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi. The mayor made the announcement during a stakeholder engagement meeting with traders and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs in Kumasi.

He explained that government has secured funding for the project's completion and has successfully negotiated with contractors and consultants to resume works. Boadi emphasized that the redevelopment of phase two of Kejetia is now set to begin in October, thanks to the various engagements with the consultant and contractor. He further stated that the ideal plan for the project's continuation and completion is to generate revenue from each phase.

So far, the assembly has collected 89 million cedis from Phase One since the market's commissioning in 2018. The second phase of the market project has been stagnant for years, causing frustration among traders and other market stakeholders. The planned redevelopment aims to add modern trading and support facilities to the existing Kejetia complex, including over 3,760 countershops, a transport terminal for 600 vehicles, and over 6,000 lockable shops.

The project, initially signed off in December 2018 for 248 million euros, is currently 68% complete, with 84% of procurement made, 99% of engineering works finished, and 49% of construction works completed. Despite the progress, the city mayor remains committed to the project's completion, reassuring traders that the government is fully invested in the endeavor.

Boadi also urged traders not to pay any money to individuals or entities claiming to be taking market premiums on behalf of the assembly.