KUMASI MAYOR, Samuel Pyne, says it is erroneous for traders as well as residents to say that the Members of Parliament (MPs) from Ashanti have done little to push for the development of the region.

Speaking to the media after an engagement with trader unions and women’s groups from the Kejetia Market, the Mayor said the Kejetia Redevelopment Market Project and many other infrastructural projects have come into the region through the industry and initiative of Ashanti MPs particularly those who are occupying seats in the Kumasi Metropolis.

He recalled how the Kumasi MPs pressured the government for the Kejetia project and ensured that it was started and scrutinized to the completion of the first phase.

‘’I was General Secretary of the NPP and I recall the enthusiasm some MPs including Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh showed in the Kejetia project as well as many others including roads and so it is never true to claim that the MPs have not shown commitment to the development of Ashanti’’, the Mayor stated.

Details:

Hon Pyne assured the traders that the second phase of the Kejetia market project would be continued and completed for use.

He noted that the halt of the project was due to the recent debt restructuring exercise the government was engaged in.

The Mayor noted that there was no point keeping the workers on site when funds were not available but said the government was determined to raise additional funding to ensure the second phase was completed and handed over for use.

‘’The project would be continued and completed and I can assure you that currently there are talks at the backroom to raise funds for the completion of work by the contractors’’, Hon Pyne intimated.

Agitation:

Earlier in the day, the trader unions had complained about the stalled phase two project at the Kejetia Market.

Speaking to the media, Sarah Osei Bonsu, Petty Traders Association member said that they are worried about the stalled project.

She therefore appealed to the government to ensure the project was completed and handed over to the Managers to allow for habitation.

‘’We are worried because the second phase project is delayed and lately no work is being carried out here and so we decided to demonstrate and agitate so that the government can come to our aid and complete it for us’’, she stated.

Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,

Kumasi