The Coalition of Trade Unions (CTU) has announced plans to organise a peaceful demonstration over the delay in completing the Kumasi Central Market Phase Two Project.
The coalition said it was disappointed that work on the project had not resumed despite earlier assurances from the government that it would be completed.
According to the CTU – made up of Central Market Traders, Secondhand Clothing, Kumasi Perty traders, Kejetia traders, Concern Perty traders and Moro Market Traders – the delay has caused serious problems for thousands of traders who were displaced because of the market project. Many of them are currently operating in areas such as Adum and Racecourse under difficult conditions.
The coalition said the situation had increased congestion and created hardship for traders and other businesses in Kumasi.
The CTU is demanding the immediate resumption of work on the project. It is also calling for the “premium monies” collected from traders during the first phase to be used to complete the second phase, as originally promised.
The coalition has further called for urgent measures to reduce congestion in Adum and surrounding areas. It also proposed that the management of the first phase of the market be given to a professional private company to improve its operations.
The CTU warned that if the government failed to act, frustrated traders could occupy available spaces, including parts of the uncompleted market.
The coalition said it would organise a peaceful demonstration to press home its demands. The date and other details of the protest will be announced later.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Cynthia Akans
