We will hold naked demonstration if they take us for fools - Kejetia traders warn bosses

Traders at the New Kejetia Market F Line extension have embarked on a demonstration against the Management of the market regarding the lack of gateway to certain commercial vicinities in the Kumasi Metro.

According to them, part of the market-facing PZ has no overpass and there is no link to the Central Business district of Kumasi; Adum which is adversely liquidating their working capital.

They have therefore cautioned the bosses of the trade centre that if nothing is done about the situation they have complained about so many times, they will hold a “naked demonstration” on the street of Kumasi.

“My business is in a mess and my capital is on the brink of bankrupting,” Asantewaa, a trader told Soireenews.

“I come here because the expectations are too much and I cannot stay home. The Management does not care about what will empower our trade. All they are concerned about is bringing us bills upon bills especially when something goes wrong.

"How do they expect traders to patronize to our goods when our side of the market has no gateway? We have notified them so many times yet they have turned a blind eye. If they want a naked demonstration before they take us seriously, we will give them one,” she added.

The traders complained that buyers have severally nagged about the necessity to put up access to make their walk-friendly whenever they approach the F Line Extension. They told that the petitions have been rejected and anytime new buyers realize there is no shortcut towards PZ or Adum, they lose interest and pursue their purchase elsewhere.

“In the next two to three years, there will be no one here because every investment we made has winded up. We pay huge bills yet we get nothing in return. The majority of people have closed their shops and recently, it was notified that those who have not finished paying for the stores have been given up to September to finish up else it will be given to others.

“Business is bad for the reason that the lack of gate is driving our customers away,” a trader lamented.

A university graduate, Kwame Boateng, who was in black-clad in red materials spoke disappointment at the structuring of the market and exposed that the Human Relations Department of the new Kejetia Market is not for a second interested in the wellbeing of marketers, rather, they delight in taking monies from the industrious traders who are getting no reward for their efforts.

“I completed University three years ago and decided to help manage my mother’s business here at Central Market. It’s been one and a half years and everything is falling apart. My mother invested in this trade just to raise enough money to help me further my education but all hopes are lost due to the structuring of this building.

“There should have been either a bypass or gate connecting to the Central Business district of Kumasi, Adum. An extension should have been made and after speaking with HR, they seem more interested in the gains than the welfare of traders.

“We want the Regional stakeholders to restructure this place to favour us.”