The President described the deteriorated site as “disheartening” and pledged to fulfil his cam­paign promise under the Market Enhancement Programme, which targets the revitalisation of 18 key trading centres, including Krofrom.

“Very soon, street trading will be a thing of the past,” he assured, during a visit on Wednes­day to inspect the market’s condition as part of his post-election Thank You tour across the Ashanti Region.

Conceived in 2007 under former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the Krofrom Market was intended to host over 500 shops and serve as a commercial nerve centre to ease congestion in Kumasi’s Central Business District. But by 2008, the six-month project was stalled—starved of funding and attention.

What remains today is a structure strangled by weeds and uncertainty. The multi-million-dollar edifice has degenerated into a haven for rodents, criminals, and scavengers. According to ob­servers, the site is now more of a forest than a marketplace, teeming with young men setting traps for rats.

A recent visit by The Ghanaian Times on April 1, 2025, revealed disturbing scenes. The market, overtaken by thick overgrowth, has become a magnet for illicit activities. Residents claim it now serves as a hideout for thieves and a make­shift shelter for drug addicts and vagrants.

“Passing here is a nightmare. You could easily lose your phone or bag to criminals,” said Mr Kofi Douglas, a resident. “This place is used as a dumping ground and toilet. It’s filthy, unsafe and shameful,” he added.

Traders operating near the site are equally alarmed. Many have been forced to hawk on congested sidewalks or repurpose sections of the abandoned structure despite growing risks.

“I weave Kente on one of the floors, but the abandonment is hurting business. It’s frustrat­ing,” said Madam Charity Ayamba.

The Krofrom Market was expected to complement the redevelopment of Kejetia and Kumasi Central markets and significantly reduce street congestion. Instead, its abandonment has worsened traffic flow and exposed hawkers to constant clashes with authorities.

Despite repeated calls for action from resi­dents and traders, successive governments had failed to follow through.

“We’ve protested. We’ve appealed. We’ve waited. Now we want action—not words,” said one trader.

 PRESIDENT John Dramani Mahama has vowed to revive the long-abandoned Kro­from Market, promising immediate steps to end years of urban decay and commercial stagnation in Kumasi.

The President described the deteriorated site as “disheartening” and pledged to fulfil his cam­paign promise under the Market Enhancement Programme, which targets the revitalisation of 18 key trading centres, including Krofrom.

“Very soon, street trading will be a thing of the past,” he assured, during a visit on Wednes­day to inspect the market’s condition as part of his post-election Thank You tour across the Ashanti Region.

Conceived in 2007 under former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the Krofrom Market was intended to host over 500 shops and serve as a commercial nerve centre to ease congestion in Kumasi’s Central Business District. But by 2008, the six-month project was stalled—starved of funding and attention.

What remains today is a structure strangled by weeds and uncertainty. The multi-million-dollar edifice has degenerated into a haven for rodents, criminals, and scavengers. According to ob­servers, the site is now more of a forest than a marketplace, teeming with young men setting traps for rats.

A recent visit by The Ghanaian Times on April 1, 2025, revealed disturbing scenes. The market, overtaken by thick overgrowth, has become a magnet for illicit activities. Residents claim it now serves as a hideout for thieves and a make­shift shelter for drug addicts and vagrants.

“Passing here is a nightmare. You could easily lose your phone or bag to criminals,” said Mr Kofi Douglas, a resident. “This place is used as a dumping ground and toilet. It’s filthy, unsafe and shameful,” he added.

Traders operating near the site are equally alarmed. Many have been forced to hawk on congested sidewalks or repurpose sections of the abandoned structure despite growing risks.

“I weave Kente on one of the floors, but the abandonment is hurting business. It’s frustrat­ing,” said Madam Charity Ayamba.

The Krofrom Market was expected to complement the redevelopment of Kejetia and Kumasi Central markets and significantly reduce street congestion. Instead, its abandonment has worsened traffic flow and exposed hawkers to constant clashes with authorities.

Despite repeated calls for action from resi­dents and traders, successive governments had failed to follow through.

“We’ve protested. We’ve appealed. We’ve waited. Now we want action—not words,” said one trader.