The Coalition of Trade Unions (CTU) has announced plans to organize a peaceful demonstration over the continued delay in completing the Kumasi Central market phase two Project.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Coalition expressed disappointment over what it described as the prolonged abandonment of the project despite repeated assurances from government officials, particularly the Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, that construction would resume and be completed.
The CTU said traders and residents were hopeful that work on the project would restart when the current administration assumed office, but those expectations had not been realized, with the project still facing extended delays.
According to the Coalition, the suspension of construction has created serious challenges for thousands of traders whose livelihoods depend on the completion of the market.
It said many traders remain displaced and are operating under difficult and unsafe conditions at locations including the Racecourse, Adum and other parts of Kumasi, contributing to congestion and economic hardship.
The group is demanding the immediate resumption of construction works on the Phase Two project and the use of premium monies collected from traders during the first phase, which it says are currently held at Fidelity Bank and Yaa Asantewaa Rural Bank, to complete the second phase as originally communicated.
The Coalition is also calling for urgent measures to address congestion in Adum and surrounding business areas caused by the relocation of traders.
Additionally, the CTU has proposed that management of the Phase One market be considered for privatization, arguing that professional operation and maintenance management would improve efficiency and reduce overcrowding.
The Coalition warned that continued inaction could force affected traders to take drastic measures, including occupying available trading spaces and moving into the uncompleted market regardless of existing allocation arrangements.
It cautioned that such action could worsen congestion and create tensions within Kumasi’s central business district.
The CTU said the planned demonstration is intended to draw attention to the concerns of traders and push for immediate government action. The date and other details of the protest will be announced later.
The Coalition called on government and relevant stakeholders to act swiftly to complete the project and ease the hardship faced by traders.
