The Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Samuel Pyne, has dismissed claims on the closure of the Kejetia Market on December 7, 2024.
The Mayor has described the claims as false and baseless.
The proposed closure was reportedly suggested by the running mate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, during a meeting with market representatives at the Kumasi Culture Centre.
The move is alleged to ensure active participation of the traders in the 2024 election, amidst resistance from the market women who have cited severe impact on their business.
But Mr Pyne has told Accra-based Channel One News there has been no directive.
“Regarding the New Kejetia Market, the Assembly, Regional Security Council (REGSEC), and Municipal Security Council have not taken any decision to close down that facility because of elections.
“REGSEC, Municipal Security Council, we met Tuesday, and Wednesday and took a decision that all installations within the region be protected during the elections. We have not taken any decision to close down any of the markets within the Kumasi metropolis and across the region on election day,” he assured.
However, he indicated intelligence gathered suggests plot by some members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to disrupt activities at the market on election day.
“It was one National Democratic Congress (NDC) surrogate who wrote a false letter just to distract attention, some of these things need to be reported to the police because it causes fear and panic. I will officially report the matter to the regional police command for action to be taken. What we are doing is to protect all installations,” he said.
Mr Pyne has therefore urged calm among the public and traders, adding the false reports must be disregarded as the authorities work to ensure a peaceful election.