The Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has refuted claims that President Mahama pledged to complete Phase Two of the Kejetia Market Redevelopment Project by the end of 2026. This denial addresses widespread media reports, including those from the state-owned Daily Graphic, which had quoted the President making such a promise during his “Thank You Tour” of the Ashanti Region on July 16, 2025.
Mr. Agyemang Boadi, speaking on Nhyira FM’s “Kro Yi Mu Nsem” show on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, stated he was present during the President’s inspection and no such deadline was given. He challenged media houses to provide audio proof of the President’s alleged statement. The Mayor explained that the primary challenge stalling work is funding, specifically accusing the previous administration of failing to honor payments to the contractor despite securing initial financing.
This project is vital for Ghana’s second-largest city, Kumasi, and the broader Ashanti Region, a significant trading hub. The Kejetia Market Redevelopment, a flagship infrastructure initiative, aims to modernize commerce and decongest the Central Business District. Delays in such projects can impact local economic activity and trader livelihoods, affecting regional GDP contributions and employment figures.
“Let me establish this fact: the President never promised during the inspection of the project as part of his tour that it will be completed by the end of 2026. I was there with him, and I heard everything he said. Nothing like that came out of his mouth,” Mr. Agyemang Boadi stated. He further explained that the government inherited a situation where the previous administration failed to pay the contractor, despite securing approximately GHS 280 million for Kejetia Phase Two. When the contractor submitted a certificate in May 2023, the previous government was unable to pay.
The current administration is actively working to close this funding gap. A high-level meeting was held with the contractor, project consultants, the Minister of Local Government, and officials from the Ministry of Finance. This meeting aimed to discuss outstanding issues and find a resolution. Mr. Boadi indicated that a final meeting would occur within two weeks to make a decision, after which the government would seek parliamentary approval to secure the necessary funds.
Once funding is secured, the Mayor projects that the project will be completed within 16 months. The prolonged delay has led to frustration among traders who were displaced to make way for the project. Some Kumasi traders have threatened to occupy the Kejetia Phase Two site in protest. Mr. Boadi cautioned that the contractor would involve the police if such an occupation occurred, appealing for calm and assuring traders of the government’s commitment to completing both Kejetia Phase Two and the abandoned Krofrom Market.
Phase Two of the Kejetia Market Redevelopment is expected to add thousands of stores. It complements Phase One, commissioned in 2018. The expansion also includes the redevelopment of Krofrom Market, aiming to provide modern facilities for traders and further decongest the city center. The project is funded through a UK Export Finance facility and is being executed by Contracta Construction UK Ltd. Completing this project is crucial for boosting commerce in the Ashanti Region, which serves as a trading hub for Ghana and neighboring countries, impacting regional trade volumes and economic growth.