The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has announced an immediate ban on the sale of explosive materials within the Kejetia market and its surrounding areas, citing heightened security risks.

The directive, issued in a press release on Thursday, February 26, 2026, gives dealers until Sunday, May 1, 2026, to remove all such goods from the market premises.

The ban specifically targets traders dealing in hazardous substances including carbide, petrol (gasoline), acid gas, black powder, smokeless powder, and other highly flammable materials.

The KMA has instructed affected dealers to relocate their operations to the Racecourse Market within a three-day ultimatum from the date of the announcement.

“Dealers, and traders of explosive materials such as carbide, petrol (gasoline), acid, gas, black powder, smokeless powder, and other highly inflammable substances, have up to Sunday, 1st March 2026, to remove their stock from their shops and relocate to the Racecourse Market,” the release stated.

According to the Assembly, a security taskforce will be deployed to enforce compliance, with non-compliant traders facing strict penalties.

“A team of security task force, comprising military, fire, police, NADMO, and national security personnel, will visit the various shops in the market to embark on a massive operation to bring recalcitrant traders to book,” the statement added.

The KMA underscored its commitment to maintaining public safety and preventing potential hazards associated with the sale of explosives within Kumasi’s bustling marketplaces.