BY Grace Zigah
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has launched what appears to be one of its most aggressive decongestion operations in recent years, ordering all unauthorized traders operating around the entrances, canteens and unapproved sections of the Kumasi City Market—popularly known as Kejetia—to vacate the area immediately.
The directive, issued by Metropolitan Chief Executive Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, follows growing concerns over congestion, safety hazards, extortion claims, and the misuse of market space within the sprawling commercial hub, regarded as the largest in West Africa.
This latest crackdown comes against the backdrop of a long-standing battle between city authorities and traders over the use of unauthorized trading spaces.
Since the commissioning of the redesigned Kejetia Market in 2018, the facility has struggled with compliance issues as hundreds of traders have returned to pavements, corridors and entry points, citing high stall rents, limited space allocation, and the need to remain visible to customers.
Previous decongestion exercises—some involving military support—have seen mixed results, with traders frequently returning after operations ended.
Addressing journalists in Kumasi, Ofori Boadi openly rejected claims circulating among traders that KMA officials were collecting bribes to allow hawkers to operate illegally at entry points.
He insisted that neither he nor the Assembly sanctioned such conduct, urging traders who had paid money to any middlemen to demand full refunds.
“If someone told you we’re collecting money for the Mayor, tell them I don’t need it. I am not a thief,” he stated firmly. “Go back for your money. These unauthorized activities must stop immediately.”
The MCE further announced that a joint task force made up of KMA security personnel and military officers would begin strict enforcement from Wednesday.
The team will confiscate all goods found at gate entrances, pavements and canteen passageways—without exceptions or the possibility of returning seized items.
“God willing, Wednesday, anyone found at the gate entrances to Kejetia Market with goods will have them confiscated and will not get them back,” he cautioned. “We will not show favoritism. If your items are placed at an unapproved location, they will be seized permanently.”
Ofori Boadi also highlighted concerns raised by the contractor of the Kejetia Market, who reportedly warned that overcrowding around canteens and walkways violates operational guidelines, disrupts ventilation, and compromises safety standards within the facility.
The MCE emphasized that all traders must move into their designated shops or proper trading areas, warning that any goods found outside approved zones would be removed.
This renewed enforcement drive follows multiple complaints from market executives, transport operators and shoppers who say the 14 major entrances of Kejetia have become increasingly impassable due to illegal trading activities.
