The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has embarked on an exercise to crackdown on unauthorised trading in the central business district, aiming to ease congestion ahead of Christmas.
The exercise, led by Technical Adviser to the Kumasi Mayor, Francis Dodovi, targeted the Bantama Central Market, Kejetia Market entrance, and surrounding areas.
KMA taskforces and military personnel drove hawkers off pavements, seizing goods and towing vehicles parked in unauthorised areas. Wooden structures on pavements were also demolished. Traders whose items were seized were made to sweep and clean the pavements.
During the exercise, some Kejetia Market traders accused KMA of hypocrisy, claiming they had paid toll to trade at the market entrance.
The traders observed that previous governments allowed them to trade freely during Christmas, but the current administration was being strict.
“We paid money to KMA to allow us to trade here, but now they’re chasing us away,” said one trader.
“Previous governments allowed us to trade freely during Christmas, but this current administration is being too harsh.”
Technical Advisor to the KMA Boss, Francis Dodovi, said that the exercise aimed to ensure free movement before, during, and after Christmas.
“This exercise is part of our efforts to ensure that Kumasi is congestion-free and also improve sanitation, discipline, and order in the city during the festive season”, Francis Dodovi explained.
He insisted that the KMA task force will continue to enforce the law until traders understand that they must operate within designated areas.
He appealed to all affected traders to relocate to designated areas.
Mr Dodovi also denied allegations by some traders that KMA is collecting money from them to allow unauthorised trading.
“KMA has not authorised anyone to collect money from traders, and we will not tolerate any form of corruption,” he stated.
Meanwhile, some traders who spoke to the host of Ghanakoma morning show, Sir John, commended the Assembly for carry out the exercise.
The President of the Federation of Kumasi Traders Association, Nana Kwasi Prempeh, said the evicted traders at the Kejetia entrance were affecting their activities.
I wish to express my gratitude to the Assembly for sustaining the exercise.
He was optimistic that traders, pedestrians and drivers would comply with the directives for the substance of the exercise to beautify Kumasi and also ensure free vehicular and human movements.
The Managing Director of the Kumasi City Market, Ernest Afayam, who contributed to the show, distanced himself from any bribery claims.
He stated that, he would not accept money from traders operating in unapproved areas.
He challenged traders with information on him about bribe issue to come out.
“We are here to serve and not to dupe traders. That’s the last time I will do as an MD of this Noble institution. I have not taken any bribe from any trader in Kejetia Market,” he said.
By Benjamin Aidoo
