Used clothes aka 'Obroni wawu' traders who were relocated from Kumasi Central Market to Racecourse due to the reconstruction project are gearing up for a five-day continuous protest against the delays in completing phase two of the Kumasi Central Market redevelopment.

The traders initially postponed their protest plans due to the 25th-anniversary celebration of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II but affirmed their intention to proceed once the celebration concludes.

The Kumasi Central Market redevelopment project, spearheaded by the governing New Patriotic Party, aimed to enhance trading conditions in the area.

However, the project encountered a setback in 2022 due to the 2022 Debt Restructuring Programme, leaving traders at Racecourse concerned about the impact on their businesses.

Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah assured that the central market redevelopment project would resume after the completion of the Kumasi International Airport and the maternity block at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

Despite this, traders remain dissatisfied with the prioritization of other projects over the completion of the market.

Samuel Obeng, leader of the Central Market Traders Association, reiterated their determination to proceed with the protest plans, regardless of the government's stance.

The planned demonstration will include auto mechanics from Suame magazine and other regional groups, reflecting widespread concern among traders affected by the project's delay.

Obeng stated, "We respect the Regional Minister, but he can go ahead and say what he wants. We are not backing down on our demonstration. If the NPP government wants to go into opposition, we will help them do so."

He emphasised the necessity of completing the market for traders' livelihoods, contrasting it with the completion of the Kumasi International Airport, which, according to him, does not directly benefit traders.