The Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Sam Pyne, has dismissed allegations of issuing a communique to close down Kejetia market on December 7, 2024, Election Day.
This comes after a statement circulating on social media Kumasi Mayor Denies Kejetia Market Closure on Election Day Amid Queen Mothers’ Protest
The Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Sam Pyne, speaking in an interview with Yawa News denied allegations of issuing directives to close the Kejetia Market on Election Day, December 7, 2024. The denial follows a statement circulating on social media and public outcry from the Kumasi Kejetia Queen Mothers Association.
The association, representing traders from Kejetia, Central Market, and Abinkyi Market, has strongly opposed any plans to shut down the market during the elections.
According to the group, the closure proposal stems from a request made by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate, during a recent meeting at the Kumasi Culture Centre.
The Queen Mothers claim they rejected the suggestion during the meeting, only to learn that Mayor Sam Pyne had allegedly instructed market management to proceed with the closure despite their objections.
In a statement signed by Vice Chairman Nana Wiafe, the association criticized the decision, citing its potential harm to traders’ livelihoods, particularly during the current economic hardships.
They also highlighted concerns about the cumulative impact of the market closure and the preceding holiday on December 6, 2024.
“We call on the market management to prioritize the welfare of traders and immediately rescind the decision to close the market,” the statement read, vowing to fiercely resist any attempts to enforce the closure.
Mayor Sam Pyne has since dismissed the allegations as baseless, stating that no directive to close the market has been issued.
