By : Abraham Donkor
The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has reaffirmed government’s commitment to complete the stalled Kumasi Central Market (Kejetia Phase II) and Takoradi Market Circle redevelopment projects, describing them as critical to Ghana’s economic transformation.
Addressing a press conference in Accra, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs,Ahmed Ibrahim, said the two projects remain strategic national investments aimed at boosting urban commerce, improving livelihoods, and supporting inclusive economic growth.
According to the Minister, the markets in Kumasi and Takoradi serve as major commercial hubs, providing income for thousands of traders, artisans, transport operators, and small-scale enterprises. However, progress on both projects was halted in 2024 due to non-payment of Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs) and the subsequent demobilisation of contractors.
Mr. Ibrahim explained that the previous government’s debt restructuring policy led to the accumulation of significant suspension claims, leaving key components of the projects uncompleted.
“This situation has resulted in congestion, unsafe trading conditions, loss of income for traders, and the underutilisation of public resources,” the Minister noted.
Providing background, the Minister said Phase One of the Kumasi Central Market redevelopment, initiated in 2014 under former President John Dramani Mahama, was successfully completed at a cost of over 259 million US dollars.
Mr. Ibrahim said Phase Two of the project, awarded in December 2018 at a contract sum of 248 million euros, had reached 58.22 percent completion before work was suspended. This includes nearly 99 percent completion in engineering works, 77 percent in procurement, and 35 percent in construction.
Financially, about 171 million euros had been paid to the contractor out of over 203 million euros assessed, leaving outstanding payments and additional suspension claims pushing the revised project cost to over 305 million euros.
On the Takoradi Market Circle redevelopment, the Minister said the project, which commenced in April 2020 at a cost of 48 million euros, had achieved 81.62 percent overall progress before suspension. Engineering works were fully completed, with procurement at nearly 89 percent and construction at just over 62 percent.
Out of the total contract sum, more than 41 million euros has been paid, with an outstanding balance of over 6 million euros yet to be settled.
Despite these challenges, the Minister stressed that government remains resolute in completing the projects.
He outlined key measures being taken, including securing financing, re-engaging contractors, strengthening project monitoring, and working closely with trader associations and local authorities to ensure smooth execution.
“The timely completion of these projects will boost economic activity, enhance revenue generation for metropolitan assemblies, contribute to job creation, and support the government’s 24-hour economy initiative,” he stated.
The Minister assured traders and residents in Kumasi and Takoradi that their concerns are being addressed, and that government is working diligently to deliver modern, safe, and vibrant market infrastructure.
“Completing these projects is not an option—it is a necessity. It is about protecting public investment, restoring economic vitality, and improving the quality of life of our people,” he emphasised.
Mr. Ibrahim called for patience and support from the public as efforts are intensified to bring the projects to completion in the shortest possible time.
The press conference formed part of government’s broader effort to provide clarity on the status of key national infrastructure projects and reaffirm its commitment to delivering on its development agenda.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com
