The management of Kumasi City Market, in collaboration with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), has intensified efforts to crack down on traders selling highly inflammable products at Kejetia Market.

The operation follows the KMA’s ban on selling explosive materials within Kejetia Market and its surrounding areas.

The ban targets traders dealing in hazardous substances such as carbide, petrol, acid, gas, black powder, smokeless powder, and other highly flammable materials.

Traders were expected to clear their goods from the market premises by Sunday, March 1, 2026, according to a KMA press release issued on February 26, 2026.

The KMA has instructed affected dealers to relocate to the Racecourse Market within three days of the announcement.

A joint task force, led by Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori-Agyemang and comprising military, fire, police, NADMO, and national security personnel, conducted a market tour to enforce compliance with the ban.

Speaking to Adom News, Richard Ofori-Agyemang revealed that many traders had complied with the directives, describing it as a positive development.

He added that non-compliant traders had their goods seized and shops closed.

He made it clear that during his tenure, Kejetia Market will be kept free from explosive materials, emphasizing that their sale will not be tolerated.

“I won’t let traders sell flammable products that could spark a fire and destroy this valuable state asset,” he stated.

Authorities are facilitating relocation to a new site at Racecourse Market for affected traders, providing them with an alternative space to operate.

The Mayor emphasised that the evacuation cannot be delayed and urged traders to stop selling prohibited items, giving them the opportunity to switch to other products.

Acting Managing Director of Kumasi City Markets, Ernest Inusah Affayam, acknowledged some traders’ resistance but insisted that the relocation is in the greater public interest.

He encouraged traders to report colleagues selling prohibited items to authorities to prevent future fires and ensure the market’s safety.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Petty Traders Association, Nana Akwasi Prempeh, expressed the Association’s support for the directive, describing it as a necessary measure to safeguard lives and property, particularly after recent fire outbreaks.

He noted that most affected traders are yet to receive compensation following previous fire incidents.