Samuel Pyne, CEO of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), has announced that the government has released funds to resume the Central Market project in Kumasi, which had been stalled for 13 months. The construction firm, Contrata, had previously abandoned the site and terminated staff appointments, leaving only security and top management in place.
Pyne revealed that the project will not be completed before the 2024 general elections. “We had a recommencement meeting last week Thursday, 18th July 2024, in Kumasi. Since they left about 13 months ago, there’s a need for them to re-engage workers. They have given themselves three weeks, until about the 3rd to 4th August 2024, to conclude this process,” he said.
The Kumasi Mayor explained that Contrata will resume full operations next month. The initial focus will be on completing the unfinished floor concrete works and installing stores. “At the moment, they have all the materials for the shops ready. They are reassessing the materials left on site to ensure they are still fit for purpose, because the Finance Minister has provided a comfort letter, assurance letter, and assurance of prompt payment,” he added.
The €248 million project, which began in May 2019, was originally expected to be completed within 48 months. However, due to the government’s debt restructuring program with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the project has been delayed for 13 months. Traders affected by the delay had protested against the government, threatening to vote against the ruling party in the 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
Following successful renegotiations with the IMF, funds have been released for the project to resume. Despite the resumption, Pyne noted that the project is unlikely to be completed within the next five months, stating, “We have wasted or delayed about 13 months, and even if there’s a crash program on site, the work will go beyond 5 months. We can’t conclude the work before the elections.” He assured residents of Kumasi of the government’s determination to complete projects started in the city since the NPP came to power.
