Kejetia Phase III pricing talks loom as government moves to restart stalled works

The government is set to initiate negotiations on pricing for Phase Three of the Kejetia Market Redevelopment project, aimed at restarting works on the stalled Phase Two. Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, announced that the pricing discussions will commence upon resuming Phase Two, which stands at approximately 60 percent completion. Phase Two's completion is deemed a crucial step before moving forward with Phase Three.

Finance Minister Dr Ato Forson's approval of using funds from Phases One and Two to restart activities and initiate Phase Three discussions has been a significant development. Contractors may return to the site within days or weeks, putting an end to the prolonged construction freeze. The government considers completing Phase Two a critical milestone, after which discussions on Phase Three, including its financial aspects, will commence.

Ayariga mentioned that the finance minister has given the green light for using proceeds from the completed phases to initiate Phase Three. The government plans to engage with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, and the Asantehene in these negotiations. Discussions will focus on determining the financial requirements for the next stage of the project, providing clarity on the government's approach, and ultimately restarting construction activities that have been idle for two years.

For traders, businesses, and residents around Kejetia, the potential resumption of work could lead to the return of workers, machinery, and construction activity, marking a significant turnaround for the site that has been inactive for far too long. Once operations resume, the focus will shift from the unfinished portions of Phase Two to the broader scope of Phase Three and its associated costs.