The Mayor of Kumasi, Samuel Pyne, has dismissed claims that the New Kejetia Market will be closed on December 7 to force traders to participate in the upcoming general elections.
The allegations, reportedly spread by disgruntled traders, suggested that the closure had been ordered following a request from Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) running mate, during a meeting with queen mothers in Kumasi. However, Mayor Pyne has categorically denied these claims, calling them “baseless and false.”
Speaking to Channel One News, Pyne clarified that no directive had been issued from his office to close the market on election day. He further revealed that intelligence reports indicate potential disruptions by some members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) at the market on election day.
Pyne urged traders and the public to ignore the false reports and remain calm. He reassured that the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), and the Municipal Security Council had not made any decisions to close markets in the region on election day.
He also announced that he would report the false letter to the police, calling for action to prevent further panic. The mayor emphasized that efforts are in place to protect all installations in the region during the elections.
Source:TheDotNews