Over 400 Traders Demand Refund After Sudden Eviction from Kumasi City Market

More than 400 traders at the Kumasi City Market are demanding immediate refunds following their sudden eviction from the Middle Lane, a move that has sparked tension between traders and market authorities. The traders claim that they were unfairly removed from their trading spaces despite having paid substantial sums to operate there.

According to the traders, amounts ranging from GH¢3,000 to GH¢6,000 were collected to secure trading spots along the Middle Lane. However, after a few months of operating in good faith, they were evicted on the grounds that the lane is designated as an emergency access route and is not meant for commercial activities.

Speaking to the media, Isaac Oppong, a leader of the affected traders, alleged that the payments were collected under the directives of the Operations Manager, Mr. Prince Nyarko.

“We paid significant amounts to trade in the Middle Lane, believing we were authorized to do so. Now we have been evicted without warning, and we demand our money back immediately,” he said.

Another leader, Akwasi Aning, expressed frustration over the disruption to their livelihoods, highlighting that the financial burden extends beyond the initial payments.

“Many of us invested heavily, expecting to operate peacefully. If management cannot allow us to trade, they must refund our payments in full,” he stressed.

Attempts to reach Mr. Nyarko for comment were unsuccessful, as he declined to respond to media inquiries. Meanwhile, market authorities have denied collecting any money from the traders, escalating the dispute and leaving the issue unresolved.

The affected traders continue to insist on justice, urging relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that their grievances are addressed fairly.