Traders at the Kejetia Market in Kumasi have firmly rejected a proposal to close the market on election day, December 7, 2024.
They cited the severe impact such a move would have on their livelihoods amid current economic hardships.
The proposal was suggested by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), during a meeting with market representatives at the Kumasi Culture Centre.
In a statement issued on December 3, the traders dismissed the idea, stating that it lacked justification.
Despite their stance, they claim that Kumasi Mayor Samuel Pyne has instructed market management to enforce the closure.
The traders argue that shutting down on December 7, especially after Friday, December 6, which is a public holiday, would worsen their financial struggles.
Below is the full statement.
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.
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