Kejetia Market Crackdown: KMA Takes Action Against Unauthorized Advertising Sales

Introduction

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has launched a decisive enforcement operation targeting unauthorized advertising purchases and sales at Kejetia Market, Ghana’s busiest trading hub. This initiative, executed in collaboration with military officials and city guards, aims to decongest the city center ahead of major festivities while enforcing strict adherence to trading regulations. Investors occupying alleyways without proper authorization have fiercely resisted the crackdown, claiming they pay “service charges” for space, a claim the KMA vehemently denies. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the situation, its broader implications for urban management, and actionable insights for traders and stakeholders.

Analysis

Background of Kejetia Market

Kejetia Market, located in Kumasi’s central business district, serves as an economic lifeline for thousands of vendors and generates significant revenue for the Ashanti region. Its dense layout, however, frequently leads to congestion, impeding traffic flow and emergency access. The market’s alleyways have historically been exploited for informal advertising displays and impromptu trading stalls, exacerbating these challenges.

Nature of Unauthorized Advertising Activities

The KMA’s operation specifically addresses two violations: (1) the sale or rental of advertising space along restricted alleyways without licenses, and (2) the use of pavements for commercial purposes. Traders and third-party agents allegedly demanded “service charges” from advertisers—payments never sanctioned by municipal authorities. These activities not only violate municipal bylaws but also obstruct pedestrian pathways and emergency routes.

KMA’s Enforcement Strategy

The enforcement team, comprising military personnel, city guards, and assembly officials, focused on three objectives:

• Removing unauthorized wooden structures built on pavements and alleyways.
• Seizing goods stored in prohibited zones.
• Redirecting vehicular traffic to alleviate congestion.

During the operation, vehicles parked indiscriminately were towed away, and compliance assessments were conducted at satellite markets like Bantama. The assembly emphasized that only officially issued stall licenses are valid—not payments to unofficial intermediaries.

Key Stakeholder Positions

Traders’ Perspective

Many vendors argued they had been operating under long-standing informal arrangements. One trader stated, “I will work to take care of my children. I pay my service charge, yet you attack us with soldiers almost every day. Ever since Zuba assumed office, he has been intimidating us.” This sentiment highlights the tension between informal economic practices and formal regulatory frameworks.

KMA’s Official Stance

Francis Dodovi, Technical Advisor to the Kumasi mayor, clarified: “We do not know whom they’ve paid these monies to. The mayor has made it clear he is not taking any money. The only money we take is the license for occupying the stalls and not those on the alleyways.” The assembly underscores that any payment outside its licensing system is illegitimate and will be penalized.

Summary

The KMA’s crackdown on unauthorized advertising sales in Kejetia Market represents a critical effort to balance commercial activity with urban order. While investors assert they operate under informal fee structures, the assembly insists only its licensing regime is valid. The operation resulted in the removal of illicit structures, seizure of goods, and vehicle relocations. This intervention, timed ahead of festive season congestion, reflects broader urban management challenges in Ghana’s rapidly growing cities.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Market Traders

1. Verify Licensing Channels: Obtain licenses exclusively through KMA-designated offices. Avoid third-party “service charge” providers.

2. Use Approved Stalls: Position advertising and goods only on licensed stalls—never on pavements or alleyways.

3. Engage with KMA: Report unclear fee demands to assembly representatives to ensure transparency.

For Advertisers

1. Demand Official Receipts: Insist on written proof of payment from KMA-approved vendors.

2. Avoid High-Risk Zones: Refrain from placing ads in alleyways until clear licensing guidelines are published.

For City Planners

1. Digital Licensing Platform: Develop an online portal for real-time license tracking and payment verification.

2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Educate traders via workshops and notices about legal requirements.

Points of Caution

• **Non-Compliance Risks:** Unauthorized traders risk goods confiscation, demolition of structures, and potential legal prosecution.

• **Economic Disruption:** Sudden enforcement without grace periods may temporarily halt livelihoods; phased rollouts are advisable.

• **Public Safety:** Hasty removals in congested areas could endanger pedestrians and emergency responders.

Comparison

Kejetia vs. Other Major Ghanaian Markets

Kejetia’s enforcement intensity reflects its status as a high-traffic hub. While Tema Station resolved similar issues in 2024, Kejetia’s informal systems require more robust intervention.

Legal Implications

Ghana’s Local Governance Act (Act 462) empowers metropolitan assemblies to regulate trading activities. Key legal provisions include:

• Licensing Mandate: Operators must possess valid licenses issued by the assembly.
• Public Nuisance Offenses: Obstruction of pedestrian pathways or emergency routes constitutes a criminal offense.
• Property Seizure: Unauthorized structures may be demolished without compensation.

Traders failing to comply may face fines under Section 93 of the Act or imprisonment for up to six months. Advertisers paying unofficial fees could also be prosecuted as accomplices.

Conclusion

The KMA’s crackdown on unauthorized advertising sales at Kejetia Market underscores the necessity of aligning informal economic practices with formal regulations. While immediate enforcement actions address congestion, sustainable solutions require transparent licensing, public education, and inclusive dialogue with traders. As Kumasi prepares for peak festive activity, balancing commercial vibrancy with urban order will remain a pivotal challenge for city planners and policymakers.

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