The operation, initiated by city authorities to restore order at the market, was met with stiff resistance from traders, resulting in chaotic scenes as enforcement officers attempted to evict those operating outside designated spaces.

The Kejetia Market has in recent months become a focal point of concern, with the Federation of Kumasi Traders warning of severe overcrowding.

According to the group, the facility currently accommodates more than 3,300 additional traders beyond its intended capacity, raising safety concerns.

The traders have also cited structural defects within the market, describing the situation as a potential “death trap” if not urgently addressed.

City authorities, however, maintain that the decongestion exercise is necessary to ensure safety, improve accessibility, and restore sanity within the market.

Despite these assurances, many traders have refused to comply with eviction directives, leading to confrontations with officials on the ground.

JoyNews’ correspondent, Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe, who was at the scene, reported that the situation quickly escalated as traders pushed back against the task force, disrupting the operation.

During a routine crackdown exercise, the taskforce visited a sanitation area behind the AshTown Post Office in Kumasi, where they encountered the men engaged in drug peddling.

Items retrieved during the operation included quantities of substances believed to be Indian hemp, a locally manufactured pistol, packs of cigarettes, hard drugs, boxes of Mashallah (Ataya), cash, and other harmful materials.

In a statement, KMA emphasised its commitment to safeguarding the public and maintaining law and order in the metropolis. The assembly urged residents to support efforts by reporting suspicious activities and cooperating with authorities.

“KMA reiterates its commitment to maintaining law, order, and public safety and urges residents to support ongoing efforts by reporting suspicious activities and cooperating with authorities to keep the metropolis safe,” the statement noted.

The suspects, whose identities have been withheld, have been sent to the Kumasi Central Police Station for further investigations.

ALSO READ:

• Asante Akyem North Health Directorate destroys seized unapproved drugs

• Food and Drugs Authority orders removal of alcoholic energy drinks from the market