Ernest Afayam is the Managing Director of Kejetia Market
In anticipation of an official visit from the King of Eswatini, hosted by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Kejetia Market participated in a region-wide clean-up exercise organized by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
During the clean-up, Ernest Afayam, the newly appointed Managing Director (MD), announced plans for a regular monthly sanitation program to ensure sustained cleanliness at the market.
“Today’s clean-up is a crucial step in preparing Kejetia Market for this important visit,” Afayam told reporters. “However, we are committed to ensuring cleanliness is not just a one-time effort. We will be initiating a monthly sanitation drive to maintain a healthy and hygienic environment for traders and customers alike.”
While the clean-up saw participation from market management, Afayam acknowledged the need for greater involvement from traders. He announced that the planned monthly sanitation drive, scheduled to commence soon, will be mandatory for all traders, with consequences for non-compliance. The proposed sanitation day will be held from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM each month.
“Cleanliness is paramount for a market of this scale,” Afayam emphasized. “It is crucial for public health, attracting visitors, and ensuring the overall well-being of our community. The monthly sanitation drive will reinforce this commitment.”
Furthermore, market management is addressing existing infrastructure issues such as leakages, plumbing problems, and electrical faults.
Afayam stated that a comprehensive assessment will be undertaken to prioritize necessary repairs and address what he described as a lack of significant maintenance in recent years.
The combined efforts of the one-time clean-up and the future monthly sanitation drive underscore the new management’s dedication to improving Kejetia Market and ensuring its continued role as a vital hub for trade and commerce in the region.
The MD urged all stakeholders to actively participate in the upcoming sanitation program, emphasizing that collective responsibility is key to achieving lasting improvements.
On his part, the Chairman of the Kumasi City Market Traders Union, Johnson Ankrah who joined the clean-up exercise together with his association members, commended the move and supported the idea that the market should practice a monthly clean-up plan.
He however suggested that punitive measures should be put in place to deal with individuals who may refuse to join the monthly exercise.
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