Tensions are escalating in Kumasi as traders at the Adum Blue Light Arena defy city authorities by forcefully removing barricades put up by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to restrict access to the fire-ravaged market area. On Thursday, determined traders, many dressed in red to signify their displeasure, took matters into their own hands, pulling down roofing sheets used to cordon off sections of the market following last month’s devastating fire outbreak.
The fire, which struck the Blue Light Arena barely a month ago, displaced thousands of traders and destroyed a significant portion of the bustling commercial space. In the aftermath, the KMA swiftly moved to secure the site, barring access to allow for safety assessments and planned reconstruction. However, the lack of clear communication regarding the future of the site and the traders’ involvement in the reconstruction process has created a growing wave of frustration.
The traders, especially the market women, voiced their fears over being excluded from future redevelopment plans. Led by the market queen mother, Abena Nsowaa, they accuse the KMA of attempting to take control of the land and sideline those whose livelihoods depend on it. She stressed that the community of traders would not sit idle while decisions were made without their input, warning that any attempt to rebuild without their inclusion would be resisted.
“If KMA takes over the reconstruction, we will be left out of the stores to be shared,” she stated with visible emotion, echoing the concerns of many vendors at the market.
Despite the presence of military officers deployed to maintain order and prevent unauthorised access, the traders stood their ground, showing little concern for the show of force. Some have already begun re-erecting tables and makeshift stalls, eager to resume their businesses and recover their lost incomes. Observers noted that a few developers have also started rebuilding portions of a three-storey building affected by the fire, despite clear warnings from the KMA against such actions.
This defiance highlights a deeper struggle between the affected traders and local authorities—a struggle rooted in distrust, economic survival, and the right to return to a space that has sustained generations of livelihoods. It also points to the pressing need for inclusive dialogue, transparency in redevelopment plans, and swift action from city authorities to prevent further unrest.
For now, the traders’ stance is clear: access to the market is non-negotiable, and any reconstruction efforts that do not prioritise those most affected risk sparking even more intense resistance. As the situation develops, all eyes remain on how the KMA will respond to the mounting pressure, and whether a compromise can be reached to restore order while honouring the rights of those who call Adum Market their economic home.
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