Redevelopment plan for Kumasi market unveiled

Mr Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, on Thursday pledged government’s commitment to developing the country’s market to modern standards.

He said as part of the “Better Ghana Agenda”,  Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies under the Ministry, were expected to develop markets to befit the status of cities.

Mr Oppong-Fosu made the remarks at the presentation of the redevelopment plan for the Kumasi Market to the media by CONTRACTA, a Brazilian Construction firm, in Accra.

He said change though difficult, was necessary to ensure  national development, adding, “We should develop our markets, lorry parks and community facilities.”

Madam Irene Vida Gala, Brazilian Ambassador to Ghana, promised that the company would redevelop the Kumasi market on schedule.

She said the redevelopment of the market, which would be finance by VTB Capital in Brazil and constructed in three phases, would help increase trade and eliminate poverty.

Madam Gala said the project when completed would not be given to the rich but would be made available to the poor and vulnerable.

She the market was too old, and it would be develop to befit the status of Kumasi as a Millennium City.

It is expected to start by the end of this year and completed in seven years.

Mr Alex Kwame, Head of Works Department at the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, said the project when completed would facilitate movement of people and goods in the market.

He said the plan was formulated in 1986 by the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) faculty of Environment.

Mr Kwame said from February 2007 to 31st December 2012, the Kumasi market had experience seven fire outbreaks, which was a major concern to the city authorities.

He said the project involves the reconstruction of lorry parks, bus terminals and drainage, and the provision of fire detectors and energy among others.

Source: GNA