Traders at the Kejetia Market in Kumasi have strongly rejected a proposal to close the market on election day, December 7, 2024, arguing that such a move would significantly impact their livelihoods amidst ongoing economic hardships.
The controversy arose after Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), reportedly suggested the closure during a meeting with market representatives at the Kumasi Culture Centre. In response, the traders issued a statement on December 3, categorically opposing the proposal and questioning its justification.
The traders further alleged that Kumasi Mayor Samuel Pyne has directed market management to enforce the closure despite their objections. They argue that the decision would exacerbate their financial challenges, particularly as Friday, December 6, 2024, is a public holiday, effectively leaving them with fewer days to conduct business.
In their statement, the Kumasi Kejetia Queen Mothers Association expressed their discontent:
“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.”
The statement continued:
“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.”
The traders vowed to resist any attempts to shut down the market, calling on management to prioritize their welfare. “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 rescind the decision,” the statement concluded.
Read the full statement below:
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.
Signed,
Kumasi Kejetia Queen Mothers Association
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