Kejetia Market Phase Two works to resume in coming weeks – Ayariga
The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has announced that contractors are expected to return to site in the coming weeks to resume work on Phase Two of the Kumasi Central Market, popularly known as the Kejetia Market.
According to Mr Ayariga, negotiations with the contractor have been concluded to facilitate the resumption and completion of the project.
He noted that although Phase One of the project had been completed, about 60 per cent of the second phase remained unfinished after work stalled for nearly two years.
Mr Ayariga disclosed this during the Government Accountability Series press conference held at the Presidency on Monday.
He said discussions had been held with the contractor, while the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, had approved the release of funding to enable work on Phase Two to resume.
The Finance Minister has also approved the use of proceeds from Phases One and Two to facilitate the commencement of Phase Three of the project.
Mr Ayariga said the contractor would return to site shortly while discussions continued over the cost and financing arrangements for Phase Three.
He added that he would continue engagements with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on plans to implement the third phase.
He assured residents of Kumasi and the Ashanti Region that construction would resume soon and said the contractor would also submit a plan outlining how work on Phase Three would begin.
The Minister further disclosed that the Finance Minister had outlined an ambitious programme to develop modern markets across the country, which is expected to be presented in the 2027 Budget.
He said his ministry would explore various financing options to support the development of markets in regional capitals.
Mr Ayariga explained that the government’s focus on market development forms part of efforts to promote a 24-hour economy, create employment opportunities and improve working conditions, particularly for women who spend significant portions of their time at markets.
He stressed that the government was committed to policies that promote the welfare and economic empowerment of women.
Mr Ayariga said the government would build on the ongoing development of modern markets across Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) by encouraging assemblies to incorporate local economic development into their planning and budgeting.
He said MMDAs would also be encouraged to collaborate with the private sector and development partners to unlock the economic potential of their respective areas.
The Minister announced plans, in consultation with the Finance Ministry, to appoint Regional Economists across all regions to support MMDAs in developing effective local economic strategies.
He noted that the special development frameworks prepared by the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority provide economic blueprints for MMDAs, highlighting the economic potential of regions and districts.
Mr Ayariga explained that the decision to rename the government’s “24-Hour Economy Markets” initiative as “District Economy Markets” was intended to make clear that every district would benefit from a model market.
Under the revised arrangement, the market projects have been divided into two phases. The first phase will focus on market stores, sheds and other essential commercial facilities, while the second phase will provide social infrastructure, including police and fire stations.
He also disclosed that a committee had been established to monitor the progress of the projects. Contractors who demonstrate insufficient capacity, he warned, could have their contracts terminated and reassigned to more capable companies.
Mr Ayariga added that funding for Phase One was readily available for contractors who meet their contractual obligations.
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