The Kumasi Central Market, also known as Kejetia Market, is an open-air marketplace in Kumasi, a city in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The market has over 8,000 stores and stalls,[1] making it the largest single market in West Africa. About 50,000 people visit the market daily, while there are 20,000 vendors operating in it.[2]
Formation
The market, along with the makola market in Accra, was established in 1924, modeled after British markets in order to house large numbers of vendors.[3] This led to an increase of market and street trading in the city. During this time, a lorry park was constructed to help with the large number of people who go to the market.[2] Due to the lack of investment in the market, infrastructure and hygiene conditions were poor. Because of this, the colonial government tried to promote large-scaled industrialization to stop the even-increasing number of vendors. Although, after Ghana's independence, there was still a large percentage of the workforce working in small-scale activities including trading.[4]
Redevelopment project
In August 2015, the Government of Ghana announced a redevelopment plan for the entire market.[5] The project is currently on its second phrase.[6]
Phase 1
The first phase of the project begun in 2015 and was valued at a cost of US$259,425,000 by the John Dramani Mahama government.[6] The phase included a brand new market equipped with about 8,420 stores. It was completed in late 2018.[7]
Fire outbreaks have historically been an issue of the Kejetia market. In January and March 2016, fires destroyed more than 200 shops and vendors' property.[8]
Power
On 28 June 2022, the market was taken off the national grid over huge debts that had accrued for 14 months. The market has had power restored following a 20 percent payment of the GH¢5.2 million debt owed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).[9]
