Santasi Market traders seek gov’t intervention over high charges for redeveloped shops

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Traders at Santasi Market are appealing to the government for intervention, claiming that the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) is imposing excessively high fees on their newly redeveloped market shops.

The market, which was demolished in 2022 for redevelopment. Traders were assured they would be able to return to their stalls once the reconstruction was completed.

However, after nearly four years of waiting, the traders are expressing dissatisfaction with the recent price per shop released by KMA, describing the cost as unreasonably high and the payment period too short.

In an interview with Adom News reporter Kwadwo Obeng Mireku, some traders stated that the high costs of the shops will prevent many from reclaiming their spaces.

“We are appealing to President Mahama and the Ministry of Local Government to intervene, as KMA is unfairly forcing us to relinquish our shops,” they said.

Adom News visited KMA to obtain the latest pricing details for the redeveloped market.

According to the new price list, the charges for the shops are as follows:
Shops along the dual road – GH¢150,000, shops by the road at the market – GH¢130,000; shops on the other street – GH¢120,000; inner shops at the market – GH¢130,000; and pavilions – GH¢15,000.

The KMA has also stated that both existing and registered traders will be offered a flexible payment plan, allowing them six months to settle the costs.

Despite this option, the traders argue the prices are still too high, and the limited time frame for payment is not feasible for most of them.

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