Kumasi Central Market Phase II works set to resume in October

Work on the second phase of the Kumasi Central Market redevelopment is expected to resume in October 2026, following renewed discussions between the government and the contractors handling the project. Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, disclosed this at a stakeholder meeting involving market traders and the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. He said negotiations with the project’s contractor and consultant had yielded an agreement for construction to resume, with arrangements also made to secure the resources required to move the project forward. “We are in absolute terms convinced that this October, the redevelopment of Phase Two of Kejetia is beginning,” Mr Agyeman Boadi said. He attributed the confidence to recent engagements with the professionals responsible for the project. “We say so because of the kinds of engagement we have done with the consultant and contractor of this project,” he added. The Mayor explained that the original financing concept was to use revenue generated from completed sections of the market to support the development of subsequent phases. He disclosed that the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly had generated GH¢89 million from Phase One since the facility was commissioned in 2018. Phase Two has remained incomplete for several years, creating frustration among traders and other stakeholders who have been affected by the delay and the resulting pressure on trading space in the metropolis. The planned development is expected to significantly expand the existing Kejetia complex, providing 3,760 counter shops, more than 6,000 lockable shops and a transport terminal capable of accommodating 600 vehicles. The €248 million contract was signed in December 2018, with an original completion period of 48 months. Project consultant Tony Yeboah of Avangarde Design Services said the development had reached 68 per cent overall completion. He indicated that procurement was 84 per cent complete, while engineering works had reached 99 per cent. Construction activities, however, stood at 49 per cent. Mr Yeboah further disclosed that €171 million had so far been paid towards the project since its commencement. Mr Agyeman Boadi reaffirmed the government’s determination to complete both the second and third phases of the redevelopment. “This project is one that is dear to the heart of the President and government. It is one project we have given all our energies to,” he said. He also cautioned traders against falling victim to individuals claiming to be collecting premiums for shops at the unfinished facility. According to him, reports that allocation of stalls had already begun were false, and traders should not make payments to any person or organisation claiming to be acting on behalf of the Assembly. The planned resumption of construction has generated renewed expectations among traders and residents, who are looking forward to the completion of the facility to ease congestion and improve conditions at Kumasi’s major commercial centre. Source: 3News