The Kumasi Kejetia Queen Mothers Association has expressed strong disapproval of a proposed plan to close the Kejetia Market on election day, December 7, 2024. The group, made up of influential leaders within the market, believes that such a decision could create chaos, affect traders' earnings, and disrupt daily life. This opposition follows an alleged directive from the Kumasi Mayor, Samuel Pyne, to halt all market activities during the day of the elections.
In their statement, the Queen Mothers revealed that the idea of shutting down the market did not originate with the Mayor. Instead, they claim it was first brought up by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) running mate, during a meeting at the Kumasi Culture Centre. According to them, Dr. Prempeh had suggested that closing the market would encourage traders and customers to fully participate in the election process without distractions.
While the intent behind the suggestion may have been to boost voter turnout, the Queen Mothers believe it was not well thought out. They argue that the market is not just a trading space but a vital part of the community, serving thousands of people daily. Any closure, even for a single day, could have serious consequences for the traders who rely on daily sales to feed their families and sustain their livelihoods.
The Queen Mothers did not mince words in their criticism of the idea. They described the proposal as inconsiderate and unnecessary, pointing out that elections can still be conducted smoothly without disrupting the lives of market traders and their customers. They also raised concerns that shutting down the market could lead to tension, as many people would see it as an attempt to interfere with their rights to work and earn a living.
For years, the Kejetia Market has been the heartbeat of Kumasi’s economy. It is one of the largest open markets in West Africa, attracting traders and buyers from across the region. Many traders there operate on a hand-to-mouth basis, meaning they depend on daily sales to survive. Closing the market, even for a single day, could leave them struggling to meet their basic needs.
The Queen Mothers emphasized that elections should not disrupt the daily lives of ordinary citizens. Instead, they urged authorities to focus on creating a peaceful and enabling environment where everyone can cast their votes without fear or inconvenience. They called on the Mayor and other leaders to reconsider any plans to shut down the market, urging them to think about the impact such a move would have on the local economy and the livelihoods of traders.
The issue has sparked widespread discussion within Kumasi and beyond. Many traders and residents share the Queen Mothers' sentiments, arguing that closing the market would be unfair to the people who depend on it. Some have also questioned why such a drastic measure is necessary when elections have been held in the past without the need to shut down the market.
Critics of the proposal have also pointed out that elections are a civic duty and not an event that requires people to stop their economic activities entirely. They believe voters can cast their ballots and still return to their daily routines without any disruption.
Others have noted that the idea of closing the market could be politically motivated, as the Kejetia Market is home to a diverse group of people with varying political affiliations. Shutting it down on election day could lead to suspicions of bias or favoritism, further complicating the already tense political atmosphere in the region.
In response to the growing concerns, some have suggested alternative measures that could achieve the same goal of encouraging voter turnout without closing the market. For example, extending voting hours or setting up polling stations near the market could make it easier for traders and customers to vote while continuing their daily activities.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the leadership of the NPP are yet to issue official statements addressing the concerns raised by the Queen Mothers and other critics. However, the issue has brought to light the need for better communication and collaboration between political leaders and community stakeholders.
Elections are a significant event in any democracy, and ensuring they are free and fair is crucial. However, this should not come at the expense of people's livelihoods. The concerns raised by the Kumasi Kejetia Queen Mothers Association highlight the importance of considering the social and economic impact of decisions, even those made with good intentions.
As the December 7 elections draw closer, all eyes will be on the Kumasi Mayor and the NPP leadership to see how they respond to the growing opposition to the market closure proposal. For now, the Queen Mothers remain firm in their stance, advocating for the rights and welfare of the thousands of traders who make Kejetia Market the vibrant hub it is today.
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