Kejetia Market Closure Rejected by Traders Over Livelihood Concerns
Traders at the bustling Kejetia Market in Kumasi have strongly rejected a proposal to temporarily close the market for disinfection and repairs. The proposed closure, aimed at improving sanitary conditions and fixing structural issues, has sparked tension between market authorities and traders, who fear a loss of income during the period of closure.
Authorities suggested the market be shut down for a week to carry out essential repairs and conduct fumigation exercises to maintain health and safety standards. The market has faced ongoing challenges, including sanitation issues and wear-and-tear of facilities, prompting the need for immediate intervention. However, for many traders, the timing and execution of the proposal are deeply troubling.
The traders argue that the proposed closure will deal a severe blow to their already fragile businesses. Speaking to the media, a representative of the traders explained that a week-long shutdown would mean significant financial losses, especially for those who depend on daily sales for survival. They emphasized that they had not been adequately consulted before the decision was announced.
“We are not against repairs or disinfection, but closing the market completely without considering our needs is unfair. We live hand-to-mouth, and a week without work will ruin us,” one vendor lamented.
Many traders also expressed skepticism about the transparency and efficiency of the planned repairs, citing previous instances where similar exercises did not lead to meaningful improvements. They called on the market authorities to consider phased repairs that allow trading to continue, rather than a total shutdown.
Market authorities, on the other hand, insist that the closure is necessary to ensure the safety and health of both traders and customers. According to them, performing these activities while the market is open could pose risks to public safety and hinder the effectiveness of the repairs and disinfection.
The disagreement highlights a broader issue of balancing public health initiatives with economic realities faced by small-scale traders. Some observers suggest that dialogue and compromise could offer a solution, such as conducting the repairs in stages or during off-peak hours.
As of now, the traders remain firm in their stance, and the market continues to operate. Whether the authorities will revisit their plan or enforce the closure remains to be seen. The coming days will determine if both parties can reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
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