Contractors will resume work on Phase Two of the Kumasi Central Market, commonly known as Kejetia Market, in the coming weeks. Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, confirmed that negotiations have been finalized to bring the contractor back to the site. The project had stalled for about two years, leaving Phase Two with only 60 per cent completion.
Restarting the Construction
The Minister stated that the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, has approved the move to commence work on Phase Two. Additionally, the Finance Minister had given his approval for the use of proceeds from Phase One and Phase Two to get the contractors to commence work on Phase Three. Work is scheduled to begin shortly, while discussions continue regarding the pricing and financing of Phase Three.
Mr Ayariga said he is maintaining dialogue with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, and the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to plan for the next stage. The government also intends to create a detailed plan for Phase Three, which the contractor will present soon. To ensure quality, the minister said a committee has been set up to review the pace of work and terminate contracts for companies lacking capacity.
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Expanding the Project
The Ministry has a broader agenda for market development across the country. Mr Ayariga revealed that the Finance Minister shared an ambitious program for future markets, which will be detailed in the 2027 budget. The government aims to explore financing options for markets in regional capitals.
To support these efforts, the Ministry plans to appoint Regional Economists to guide Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in their economic strategies. These officials will use the special development frameworks provided by the Land Use and Special Planning Authority, which outline the economic potential of every district. The government also announced that the 24-Hour Economy Markets initiative is being redesignated as District Economy Markets to ensure every district has a model market.
The projects are now structured into two distinct phases. The first phase focuses on delivering market stores, sheds, and essential commercial spaces. The second phase will add social amenities like police and fire stations to the building complex. Funding for Phase One is available to contractors who complete their obligations, ensuring the financial backbone of the larger development remains intact.
