Parliament has approved a loan of $298 million for the redevelopment of Kumasi Central Market and Kejetia Lorry terminal in Kumasi.

Following, the Brazilian construction firm, CONTRACTA Engenharia Limited has arrived to execute the three-phase project which commences by the close of March, when traders are expected to be relocated.

The Metro Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Mr. Kojo Bonsu, who disclosed this at the launch of the project and a media briefing said Phase One of the project comprises construction work at the Kejetia in a period of 24 months, while the Second and third phases would focus on the redevelopment of the Kumasi Central market.

Mr. Bonsu said the first Phase of the project would cost $198 million, while the remaining $100 million will be expended on the second and third phases of the project. He said the contractors were yet to undertake geographical mapping of the place with Ghana Water Company and Electricity Company of Ghana to prepare the place for constructional works to begin.

He said the traders at Kejetia would be relocated to the Adehyeman and Royal markets, while traders from the Central market would be relocated to the Race Course, Sofoline and Abinkyi at the appropriate time.

The mayor said the KMA has pleaded with the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to use part of the Race Course for the resettlement of the traders from the Kumasi Central Market.

He said the Lands Valuation Board has been tasked to consider valuations in order to compensate owners of building to be affected by the redevelopment of the place. The mayor said the KMA has embarked on the biometric registration of traders to capture the rightful owners of stores for consideration for compensation.

According to Mayor Bonsu, traders have the first option for the allocation of stores on completion of the project, which he has described as “a-must-do” project.

Mr. Emmanuel Danso, Consultant to the contractors assured in the presence of Messrs Jorge Tavares de Almeida and Carlos Gala, Project director and Project Manager respectively of CONTRACTA that, the project would be executed on schedule but with the co-operation of residents.

The Presiding Member of KMA, Hon. Nana Kofi Senyah also assured that the KMA would ensure that displaced traders are resettled properly. He said the Assembly would not compromise the welfare and interest of traders in the implementation of the project.

According to him, the redevelopment of the Central Market will provide 45,000 stores as against the current 12,000 stores.

Nana Senyah has, however, expressed concern why the original plan taken at the General Assembly had changed and advised traders top remain at their respective places pending a a collective decision for their relocation.

Meanwhile Richard Owusu-Akyaw also reports that traders of Kejetia are spitting fire over the re-development of Kumasi Kejetia.

The spokesperson of the Kejetia Traders Association (KTA), Mr. Andrews Pobi while addressing a Press Conference said Kojo Bonsu is insensitive to the welfare of the traders. Mr. Pobi stated that the intention of Kojo Bonsu to build 10,000 stores at the Kejetia terminal is inappropriate.

According to him, KTA is not against the re-development of Kejetia but they are only kicking against injustices being meted out to the thousands of traders who eke out their living from the terminal. “What we are kicking against is dishonesty, corruption, greed, financial malfeasance and abuse of power by Government appointees in Kumasi.

On the two month deadline given by the KMA to traders to vacate the place, the irate traders asked the KMA to reconsider an extension. Mr. Pobi accused authorities in Kumasi of their repugnant attitude of reporting lies to the public in an attempt to win public sympathy so as to line the pockets of few.He, therefore, called on public to resist the redevelopment because the Kejetia terminal will be extinct.

In another development, a meeting of stakeholders including transporters, traders, management of KMA the Regional Co-ordinating Council, Ashanti MP Caucus and the media has been held in Kumasi to sensitise them on the effective implementation of the project.