The abandoned Krofrom Market project in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, has become a symbol of unfulfilled promises and a source of frustration for traders and residents alike. Initiated in 2007 under the Kuffuor administration, this multi-million-dollar project, envisioned as a vibrant commercial hub, has languished for nearly two decades, primarily due to funding shortfalls. Its skeletal remains, overrun by weeds and rodents, now serve as a stark reminder of stalled development and a breeding ground for illicit activities, posing a significant security concern for the surrounding community. The once-promising market site, located in a strategic position within Kumasi, has deteriorated into a desolate space, a far cry from its intended purpose of boosting economic activity and providing a modern trading environment for local businesses.
President John Dramani Mahama, during his “Thank You Tour” in the Ashanti Region in July 2025, addressed the concerns of the traders and pledged to complete the Krofrom Market project by the end of 2026. This commitment, if fulfilled, would not only revitalize the local economy but also address the pressing issue of congestion in the Kumasi central business district, particularly in Adum and Kejetia. These areas, already bustling with commercial activity, bear the brunt of the overflow from the incomplete Krofrom Market, further exacerbating traffic and logistical challenges. The President’s promise signifies a renewed hope for the market women and traders who have long awaited the completion of this crucial infrastructure project.
The prolonged delay in the market’s completion has had a cascading effect on the local trading community. Market women, deprived of a designated and modern trading space, are forced to operate in less conducive environments, impacting their businesses and overall livelihoods. The lack of a centralized market also contributes to disorganized trading practices, hindering the growth and development of the local economy. The Krofrom Market, once envisioned as a catalyst for economic progress, has instead become a symbol of stagnation and a testament to the challenges of sustainable development.
President Mahama’s pledge to complete the market has been met with cautious optimism, tempered by the history of unfulfilled promises surrounding the project. The market women, having witnessed previous administrations fail to deliver on their commitments, are understandably wary. However, the President’s emphasis on his government’s commitment to completing stalled projects, coupled with his specific timeline for the Krofrom Market, has instilled a degree of hope. The completion of the market is not merely a matter of infrastructure development; it represents a potential turning point for the local economy, offering a much-needed boost to businesses and providing a platform for sustainable economic growth.
Adwenehemaa Nana Sakina, the Market Queen, has expressed her strong support for President Mahama’s promise, highlighting his track record of supporting market women and completing stalled projects. Her endorsement carries significant weight within the trading community, bolstering the President’s credibility and reinforcing the message that the Krofrom Market is finally within reach. This vote of confidence from a key stakeholder underscores the importance of the project to the local community and emphasizes the potential for positive change that its completion represents.
The successful completion of the Krofrom Market would be a significant achievement, not only for the Mahama administration but also for the people of Kumasi. It would demonstrate a commitment to addressing long-standing development challenges and providing tangible solutions to the needs of local communities. Moreover, it would serve as a symbol of renewed hope and progress, demonstrating the potential for positive change even in the face of prolonged setbacks. The market’s completion would be a testament to the power of persistent advocacy and the importance of government accountability in delivering on promises made to the people. It would signify a new chapter for the traders of Kumasi, offering them a modern, secure, and conducive environment to conduct their businesses and contribute to the economic prosperity of the region.
