Outgoing Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Samuel Pyne has lamented his inability to ensure the completion of the abandoned Krofrom Market, describing it as his biggest regret.
He says that despite several efforts to ensure the completion of the multi-million dollar commercial project, circumstances beyond the Assembly’s control did not make it possible.
Ali Abdul-Hamid Bamba, a local footwear manufacturer, was one of the traders who were evicted to pave the way for the construction of the Krofrom Market.
After more than 15 years since he and other traders were forced out, he looked at the abandoned project with much disappointment.
“I am very disappointed. We used to trade at this market, and business was good for us. When we were told about our eviction for the construction work to begin, we had to look for alternatives. We are still waiting to see if the project will be completed but the state of the facility is worsening” Allabdul-Hamid Bamba, a local footwear manufacturer said.
The project began in 2007 under the tenure of former President John Agyekum Kuffour and was to be completed in six months but was abandoned in 2008.
The project has since failed to meet completion deadlines despite attempts by successive governments.
The abandoned Market is covered in weeds, littered with human and animal excreta, and a safe haven for rodents and criminals.
The completion of this project is crucial to boosting economic activities in the metropolis and also decongesting the Kumasi Central Market.
Outgoing Kumasi Mayor, Samuel Pyne said he wished it was completed under his tenure.
“All the efforts were put into it but unfortunately I couldn’t achieve it. It has been abandoned and now with the current cost of materials, the cost left to complete it is more than GHC 100 million. The Assembly does not have that kind of money,” stated Samuel Pyne.
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