Traders in the Kejetia Market in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, have committed to back John Mahama’s bid for a third term if he completes Phase II of the Kejetia Market Redevelopment Project.
According to them, the successful completion of the project would solidify the president’s legacy in the region, particularly in comparison to the performance of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
A member of the leadership of women traders at Kejetia Market made an impassioned appeal during President Mahama’s ‘Thank You‘ tour in the Ashanti Region on July 16.
Our only plea for President Mahama and his staff is that they complete the Kejetia and Krofrom marketplaces. We trust they will do so, unlike others who have done nothing in eight years. If you accomplish it for us, we will support your continuation as President.
If you finish our markets for us, we will ask you to run for another term and will vote for you.” – Kumasi Market women rally to support President Mahama for another term if he completes their market projects. pic.twitter.com/t5TPuZLtN0
In response, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to finishing the project by 2026, disclosing that it is currently 66% completed. He said:
I decided to inspect the project to evaluate its progress and chat with the contractors. I chatted with them, and they told me that the project is approximately 66% complete. They have promised to expedite the project so that it can be completed by next year.
‘We will support a third term provided you finish our market.’ – Kejetia marketed women to President Mahama.
He further reassured the traders:
This market can handle around 20,000 traders. To my traders, we have documented everyone who has been displaced, and they will be given precedence when the market opens.
Phase II of the Kejetia Market Redevelopment Project is a €248 million effort that started in May 2019. However, it was halted in 2022 due to the government’s debt restructuring initiative.