The Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Samuel Pyne, has debunked claims that the New Kejetia Market will be closed on Saturday, December 7, to force traders to participate in the general elections.Speaking to Channel One News, Mayor Pyne described the allegations as baseless and false, urging traders and the public to disregard such reports.

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He clarified that no directive had been issued by his office or the Assembly to shut down the market on election day.“Regarding the New Kejetia Market, the Assembly, Regional Security Council (REGSEC), and Municipal Security Council have not taken any decision to close down that facility because of elections,” he affirmed.Some traders alleged that the closure order was issued following a request by Dr.

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Mathew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) running mate, during a meeting with queen mothers in Kumasi. However, Mayor Pyne categorically dismissed this as misinformation and further assured that security measures were being taken to protect all critical installations in the Kumasi Metropolis during the elections.

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“REGSEC and the Municipal Security Council met on Tuesday and Wednesday and decided to ensure the protection of all installations within the region during the elections. We have not taken any decision to close down any markets in the Kumasi Metropolis or across the region on election day,” he explained.

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Mayor Pyne alleged that intelligence gathered pointed to attempts by some members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to create disturbances at the market on election day.“It was one National Democratic Congress (NDC) surrogate who wrote a false letter just to distract attention. Some of these things need to be reported to the police because they cause fear and panic.

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I will officially report the matter to the regional police command for action to be taken,” he said.The Mayor reiterated the Assembly's commitment to maintaining peace and order in the region, assuring traders and residents that all markets, including the New Kejetia Market, would remain open during the elections.

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“Our focus is on protecting installations and ensuring that traders and residents go about their activities without fear,” he emphasized.

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