Traders Warn Kejetia Market Could Collapse, Call for Urgent Government Action
Traders raise alarm over structural cracks, overcrowding, and fire safety gaps, urging immediate government intervention
- Traders report widening cracks and poor maintenance, describing Kejetia Market as a “death trap” in urgent need of repair
- The market, designed for just over 8,000 stalls, is severely overcrowded
- Traders urge authorities to act swiftly to prevent collapse, protect livelihoods of over 20,000 people
Traders at Kumasi’s Kejetia Market in the Ashanti Region have raised alarm over the facility, describing it as a “death trap” and calling on the government to intervene urgently to prevent a potential disaster.
They say they live in constant fear due to visible, widening cracks in the building, which they see as signs of serious structural weakness. The traders blame poor management, neglect, and lack of maintenance by authorities for the deteriorating condition.
Overcrowding has worsened the problem. Originally built for just over 8,000 lockable shops and stalls, the market now hosts far more traders than intended.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, March 31, the traders highlighted several pressing issues: poor managerial oversight, political interference, inadequate maintenance, and recurring electricity problems due to the bulk metering system. They also pointed out the lack of proper firefighting equipment and the absence of a valid fire certificate.
Market management has been accused of worsening congestion by converting emergency access areas into spaces for tabletop traders, which could obstruct rescue efforts in an emergency.
Nana Akwasi Prempeh, President of the Federation of Kumasi Traders, stressed the urgency of addressing these concerns. He warned that immediate action is necessary to prevent structural collapse and protect the livelihoods of over 20,000 people who rely on the market.
Prempeh also noted that since a fire in March 2023, no remedial measures or market insurance have been put in place, and the facility has lacked a fire certificate since November 2021, leaving traders and customers at serious risk.
