The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has hinted at plans to start the allocation of lockable shops and sheds at the Krofrom market in December.

This follows ongoing validation and construction works on the long-delayed market project, which began 17 years ago under the Kufuor administration but has yet to be completed.

Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, disclosed that the assembly will soon begin receiving payments from traders, including both old and new applicants, who wish to operate in the facility.

“Everybody will be required to make some payments, and we are likely to begin in December with collections and allocations. Currently, modalities for the validation process have started. Once the validation is completed and we confirm the integrity of the data, we can move ahead with the allocations, since we now have a fair idea of the number of shops available,” he told Luv FM’s Leo Stanley Boetey.

According to him, traders whose names are already captured in the data will be prioritised, while new entrants should expect to pay slightly more for their shops.

The Mayor also hinted that the actual construction works will take off in the coming months.

“It should not take us more than two months before the actual work begins. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have grounds to start taking monies and doing allocations in December,” he added.

Meanwhile, the completion of the Krofrom market project has seen its cost balloon significantly. Originally estimated at GH¢50 million, the project now requires an additional GH¢147 to GH¢150 million to complete, despite being about 60 percent finished.

Mr. Ofori Agyeman Boadi explained that the adjustments are due to enhancements in the market’s aesthetics and structural outlook.

“The original design is not necessarily being tampered with, but we are making it more attractive to meet modern beautification standards. That is why there has been additional cost,” he said.

He stressed the urgency to complete the project to prevent further financial burdens on the state.