Santasi Traders Protest GH¢350,000 Shop Sales, Accuse Officials of Betrayal and Demand Otumfuo’s Intervention
Scores of market women at Santasi in the Ashanti Region have staged a peaceful protest against what they describe as the unlawful and unfair sale of newly constructed market shops to strangers at staggering prices—allegedly without prior consultation with original occupants.
Clad in red attire symbolizing anger and resistance, the women poured onto the streets on Thursday morning to express their outrage, chanting songs of protest and holding placards that read: “No Market, No Vote!”, “We Deserve Better!” and “Otumfuo, Hear Our Cry!”
According to the aggrieved traders, they were evacuated from the old Santasi market in 2022 to pave the way for a redevelopment project. Authorities reportedly promised the women that they would be prioritized when the new market was ready. But those promises, the women say, have been broken.
“We waited patiently for over two years, selling in the open under the sun and rain. Now we hear the contractor is selling the new shops for GH¢350,000 each to outsiders,” said one furious trader. “We are devastated. This is not what we were promised.”
Accusations of Exploitation and Silence
The protesting traders accuse the contractor and those overseeing the project of sidelining the very women who kept the market vibrant for decades. They claim the shops are being sold to unknown individuals—many of whom have no prior trading history in the Santasi enclave.
Nana Ama Frah, the Queen Mother of the Santasi Market, expressed her deep disappointment at the turn of events. “This is not just a market issue; it is a matter of justice,” she said. “We have been loyal to this market, and now we are being pushed out without any formal engagement. It’s heartbreaking.”
Calls for Intervention from Asantehene and KMA
The women are appealing directly to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to step in and prevent what they believe is a gross injustice. They are also calling on the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and its Chief Executive, Hon. Richard Ofori Agyemang, to act swiftly and bring transparency to the process.
“We want Otumfuo to call all stakeholders together—KMA, the contractor, and the traditional leaders—for a meeting. Let everyone hear our story,” one trader pleaded. “We need answers. We need fairness.”
Unclear Allocation Process Raises Suspicions
The women say there has been no public notice or stakeholder meeting to clarify how allocation of the new shops is being done or how prices were determined. Many suspect that some local leaders and officials may be complicit in secretly handing over stores to connected individuals.
“There’s too much secrecy. We were never informed about the prices or the criteria. Now we hear people are quietly buying the shops. What happens to us?” asked a visibly emotional trader.
A United Front for Justice
Despite their anger and disappointment, the traders remain united and determined to continue their peaceful protest until they receive assurances that they will not be left behind.
“This is our livelihood. It’s not a favor—it’s our right,” said another protester. “We are not leaving this matter unresolved. If we must go to Manhyia Palace ourselves, we will.”
The traders are urging Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, known for his commitment to justice and equity, to use his authority to halt the sales and demand a transparent and inclusive process that protects the rights of all original traders.
As of press time, the KMA and Santasi traditional authorities had not issued an official statement on the matter.
