KMA seeks funding to restart stalled Kumasi Central Market Phase II project

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) seeks financial support to restart the delayed Phase II redevelopment of the Kumasi Central Market, following years of setbacks that have left traders without the promised improvements. Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi explained that the government has taken measures to secure the necessary funds to resume the project, with additional resources on standby if needed.

Boadi noted that the scale of the redevelopment necessitates substantial financial input to complete the work. Speaking at a meeting with traders and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Boadi outlined the key aspects of the Phase II development, which includes adding over 3,760 counter shops, more than 6,000 lockable shops, and a transport terminal capable of holding 600 vehicles to the existing Kejetia complex.

Despite a €248 million contract signed in December 2018 for the project, with an initial completion timeline of 48 months, the initiative has remained on hold, leaving many traders operating from temporary or satellite locations. This has raised concerns about the detrimental impact of these delays on their businesses. Boadi also revealed that the KMA has generated GH¢89 million from the first phase of the market redevelopment since it began operations in 2018, representing revenue from the Phase One facility.

The renewed funding drive is anticipated to enable the resumption of Phase II work, ultimately providing traders with access to the expanded market facilities once the redevelopment is finished.