The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly Mayor, Hon Osei Assibey Antwi has guaranteed second-hand goods sellers not to be dismayed at the state of their recent place of work since the Assembly have their petitions at heart and will resolve them by the close of the week.

He further assured that KMA represents the welfare of traders, and have their doors opened to merchants in issues affecting their occupation.

The Concern Members of Foss Line on Tuesday, October 3, 2020, appealed to the KMA concerning their transfer to the railway site and the removal of a fence constructed around their workplace which heavily affects their business as the phase 1 of works at Kumasi Central Market progresses. The group marched to the KMA and met with Hon. Osei Assibey Antwi, who took time to provide them judicious explanation after listening to their complaints and moans.

According to the Mayor, an option was earlier given to their leaders to choose a suitable place of work due to the disruptiveness on the grounds as a result of construction works. He disclosed that racecourse was decided for the contractor to prepare, yet after money was invested for the preparation of the site, it was abandoned by foss traders who later asked for relocation to the railways.

The mayor narrated that an acceptance was made and the place which earlier belonged to shoe sellers was renovated to accommodate the second-hand goods sellers. A designated entry point was then communicated to be created to help buyers locate the place easily and per the wish of the sellers, the Assembly after their engagement in creating a few entry points are still in communication with the contractors to move their cables and make the place desirable for business as Christmas looms.

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“We spoke to the Foss executives earlier to choose a place and they opted for racecourse which we allowed the contractor to prepare," Hon Osei Assibey said.

"We numbered the place with your leaders and were later informed that the concerned group have hesitated not to move because they were not part of the decision-making process, meaning they don’t like the place. We were very worried about your hesitation because lots of money had gone in the ground preparation yet for your sake, we asked you to locate another place and you chose railways.

“At that time the shoe sellers who used to occupy there had put up a structure and the KMA had to renovate the tables for you to be moved there. After the work, the concern members came and suggested that you need a place close to the main market. Meaning we spent money on preparing two sites which you desisted. We assured to speak to the railway executives and until we were done speaking to them, you could still continue your work.

“Your leaders reported about two months ago that a designated entry point must be created at the Dr Mensah area to help customers identify the place. We invited the contractor and renovation was done to your liking. They then communicated for us to make an entrance at the holding area of railways which was difficult because that was the exact place the contractor had their cables.

“We spoke to them and they accepted to take their cables to pave way for you but it takes time. A container has already been moved to help your trade because we know very well that as we edge closer to Christmas the volume of people will increase. The cables will be removed and by the close of the week, the access would be granted.

He further asked them to channel any incomprehension to his office for clarification.

“We are in an election year and I want you to know that your concerns are ours regardless of the cost we have incurred. All you need to do is be patient and we’ll create access whereby an iron sheet will be used as a barricade so you can walk through.”

The PRO of the Concern Members of Foss Line told SoireeNews that they are counting on the words of the Mayor and would do anything to protect their business if he does not live up to his word.

He called on the government also to provide them working capital to strengthen their business due to the effect of the novel pandemic and the lack of market for their trade.