We will face KMA taskforce boot for boot if they dont quit demolishing our structures - United Petty Traders Association

The United Petty Traders Association have warned the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to stop demolishing their structures through their decongestion exercises else they will face their task force boot for boot.

According to the leadership, headed by Mr Kwabena Frimpong, Chairman of the United Petty Traders Association, the KMA has robbed them of a location to transact business following the recent evacuation exercise at Central Market without any secured grounds to be allocated.

He told that the Assembly Mayor, Honorable Osei Assibey Bonsu has turned deaf ears at their petitions and any attempt to discover a dwelling for trade has been obstructed by the task force of KMA, a decision they believe is unfair and affecting their business capital. They have therefore cautioned that if the pounding acts of the KMA continue without providing any solution to their challenge, they will defend their grounds until the right thing is done.

“Evey decision the KMA has taken is a disgrace to the NPP government and their dealings with traders is very hopeless,” Mr Kwabena Frimpong said.

“KMA have no respect for United Traders Association and expect us to go by their rules. The Mayor has no regard for petty traders but should remember he started just like us. He knows better and should have improved his dealings with traders.

“Their autocratic rule has fueled bitterness in many of us and it could affect the government in future.

"KMA must find a new approach to deal with us and put an end to always thrashing us else someday we will strike back. Traders are suffering and it's affecting our living. Most of the people depend on trading and the government must rise up and solve these challenges to empower our trade.”

The Public Relations Officer of the Association, Mr Richard Nkrumah voiced that the method adopted by the Kumasi Metropolitan Executives in dealing with petty traders is impolite, from past appointees to present apart from Mr Samuel Sarpong of the National Democratic Congress.

He made clear that the Kejetia Market phase 1 was supposed to comprise them after completion yet for the sake of selfish gains, the stores are sold to people living abroad, giving no room for local traders to acquire some due to the price value.

He warned that if Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo does not advise his people to end their unkind dealing with the United Petty traders, they shouldn’t blame them when the party goes opposition in 2024.

“Our challenges are numerous and KMA is a key factor,” Mr Richard Nkrumah said.

“Mr Samuel Sarpong (former KMA Mayor) is the only one who dealt fairly with us during his time. Mama Pat, Kofi Gyimah and the current mayor have all rejected our pleas as Ghanaian traders.

"This is our profession and that is what sustains us. After building the Kejetia market, they have given it all to people living abroad and have left us behind to suffer. It's not fair and my advice to Nana Akufo Addo is to come out, else we will match them boot for boot.

“They must make sure the second phase at Central market involves us to put an end to selling by the streets.

Some traders blamed the media for their needless pressure towards the petty traders and warned that “the time has come for the leadership to know that indeed, we are the makers of NPP.”