Gov't is committed to complete Kejetia Phase II and Takoradi Market Projects - Ahmed Ibrahim

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has assured Ghanaians of Government’s firm commitment to complete the stalled Kumasi Central Market (Kejetia Phase II) Redevelopment Project and the Takoradi Market Circle Project.

Addressing a press conference in Accra, the Minister said the briefing was intended to “set the records straight” on the status of the two major market projects and to reassure traders and the public of Government’s determination to complete them within the shortest possible time.

According to the Minister, the projects are critical national investments aimed at transforming urban commerce, improving livelihoods, and promoting inclusive economic growth.

“These two market projects are not merely infrastructure initiatives; they are strategic national investments aimed at transforming urban commerce, improving livelihoods, and promoting inclusive economic growth,” he stated.

He explained that the projects suffered setbacks following delays in the payment of Interim Payment Certificates (IPCs), which led to the demobilisation of contractors in 2024. He further attributed part of the challenge to the previous government’s Debt Restructuring Policy, which resulted in significant suspension claims by contractors.

The Minister noted that the delays have created congestion, unsafe trading conditions, loss of income for traders and businesses, as well as underutilisation of already invested public resources.

Touching on the background of the projects, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim recalled that the Kejetia redevelopment initiative began in 2014 under the administration of former President John Dramani Mahama with the successful execution of Kejetia Phase I at a contract sum of US$259.4 million.

He said the success of Phase I informed the decision to undertake the redevelopment of Kejetia Phase II and the Takoradi Market Circle Project.

Providing updates on Kejetia Phase II, the Minister disclosed that the €248 million project had reached an overall completion rate of 58.22% before work was suspended in 2024. He explained that although €171 million had been paid to the contractor out of total assessments issued, outstanding payments and suspension claims have increased the project cost to approximately €305.3 million.

On the Takoradi Market Circle Project, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim stated that the €48 million project had attained 81.62% completion before suspension of works. He added that part of the negotiated claims amounting to €7.2 million had already been paid, leaving an outstanding balance of €6.1 million on the contract.

Despite the inherited challenges, the Minister stressed that Government remains fully committed to completing both projects due to their economic importance.

He said the completion of the projects would boost local and regional economic activities, enhance revenue generation for Metropolitan Assemblies, contribute to job creation and support Government’s 24-hour economy agenda.

The Minister revealed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders, is taking decisive steps to secure the necessary financing, engage contractors to accelerate construction works, strengthen project monitoring systems, and collaborate with trader associations and local authorities to ensure smooth execution of the projects.

“We want to assure the traders, residents, and the public that the NDC government under the visionary leadership of His Excellency the President is prioritizing these projects and is working assiduously to bring them to completion within the shortest possible time,” he said.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim also expressed appreciation to traders in Kumasi and Takoradi for their patience and assured them that Government remains committed to delivering modern, safe and vibrant market infrastructure that meets their needs.

He concluded by emphasizing that completing the projects was not optional but necessary to protect public investment, restore economic vitality and improve the quality of life of Ghanaians.