Government says it is working to relocate the remaining traders still occupying the Kumasi Central Market to satellite markets within the Ashanti Region to enable contractors to meet the deadline for the completion of phase two of the project.
The Local Government and Rural Development Ministry has stepped up stakeholder engagements to expedite the relocation process to enable contractors to use the portion of the land for utility installations.
The relocation of traders has often been characterised by resistance, as some traders will usually decline to move to satellite markets designated for their relocation.
A deputy Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Augustine Collins Ntim, who toured the construction site, told journalists Government will ensure the project is completed as scheduled.
“We still have a few recalcitrant ones that we need to engage. The honourable minister is committed to making sure that project is completed,” he said.
The second face is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 by Brazilian construction firm Contracta.
But Mr. Ntim wants the contractors to finish work much earlier than the expected completion date.
“We think that they need to do something about it in a way that will bring the deadline to aboutt six months earlier than the scheduled times,” he said.
After discussions with the contractors, the Deputy Minister said they were open to the challenge.
“It is subject to moving all the stalls and people there and once that is done, and we are liquid, there is no way we will not be able to complete the project six months ahead,” he noted.
Emmanuel Danso, a consultant for the Brazilian Construction firm working on the project, also gave assurances that the new timelines could be met with cooperation from all stakeholders.
“If this request is properly granted, we will be able to do as the minister requested,” Mr. Danso said.
