KuYA Urges Kumasi Mayor to Adopt Humane Approach with Kejetia Traders

The Kumasi Youth Association (KuYA) has appealed to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to adopt a more considerate and human-centered approach when engaging traders within the Kejetia market and surrounding trading areas.

In a statement addressed to Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, KuYA emphasized the need for dialogue, clear alternatives, and proper communication before any relocation or enforcement actions, especially during the busy December trading season. The association highlighted that many traders depend on this period to support their families and contribute significantly to Kumasi’s local economy.

KuYA also urged the Assembly to consider ongoing projects, such as the Central Market Phase II construction, and stressed the importance of maintaining the peace and dignity of Kumasi.

The association called for restraint, proper stakeholder engagement, and solutions that balance development with the livelihoods of traders.

The full press release from KuYA follows.

PRESS RELEASE

𝗞𝘂𝗬𝗔 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗞𝗲𝗷𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀

Dear Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi aka ing Zuba (Mayor of Kumasi Metropolitan AssemblyMayor)

Warm greetings to you.

The leadership of the Kumasi Youth Association has taken note of your recent video message directed at traders within the Kejetia enclave and its adjoining trading communities. While we understand and appreciate the Assembly’s mandate to maintain order, sanitation, and discipline within the city, we believe the current approach requires deeper consultation and a more human-centered touch.

As we enter the month of December a period that traditionally brings increased commercial activity and provides an opportunity for thousands of traders to earn enough income to support their families,we respectfully appeal to you to exercise restraint and adopt a more considerate approach. Many of these traders are mothers, fathers, and breadwinners who depend solely on this season to sustain their households. Their contributions significantly stimulate the local economy of Kumasi and, by extension, Asanteman.

KuYA wishes to emphasize the following points for your kind consideration:

1. Adopt a Human-Faced Strategy:
In this festive season, we humbly urge the KMA to avoid abrupt enforcement actions. Allowing traders some operational flexibility during this period will prevent unnecessary hardship and tension.

2. Provide Clear Alternatives Before Relocations:
If the Assembly intends to relocate traders, it is important that viable and adequate alternative markets such as Abinkye Market, Atonsu Market, and other satellite facilities are clearly prepared and communicated. Traders must not be displaced without a proper, functioning alternative.

3. Ensure Proper Public Education & Stakeholder Engagement:
Before implementation of any relocation or reorganization exercise, the KMA must intensify public sensitization to inform traders and residents about the plans, timelines, and expected outcomes. Effective communication builds trust and minimizes resistance.

4. Consider Ongoing Market Projects:
The Central Market (Phase II) is still under construction. Until this major facility is completed and ready to absorb traders, we respectfully appeal to the Assembly to be measured in its actions to avoid overwhelming the limited available alternative spaces.

5. Preserve the Peace and Dignity of Kumasi:
Kumasi has long been admired for its peaceful social and commercial environment. Maintaining this harmony requires collaboration, empathy, and respect between authorities and citizens.

As an association that represents the voice of the youth and the larger community of Kumasi, we are committed to supporting any initiative that enhances order, development, and progress. However, we equally stand for fairness and the protection of livelihoods.

We therefore urge you, Hon. Mayor, to reconsider your strategy and engage the traders with dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect. Together, we can uphold the dignity of Asanteman while ensuring sustainable development for all.

Thank you.

Signed
𝗞𝘄𝗮𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗮 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗴
General Secretary, Kumasi Youth Association (KuYA)

𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗮𝘂𝗹
𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿