The Kejetia market (Kumasi Central Market) is an open-air market in the city of Kumasi, the capital of Ashanti. Open 24 hours a day, this market is home to more than 10,000 traders.
Known as the largest open air market in West Africa, Kejetia market is referred to as the commercial heart of Kumasi. More than 12,000 stalls open each day for business such as clothing’s, handmade glass beads, Ashanti sandals and so many souvenirs.
It is right in the heart of Kumasi as one of West Africa’s largest open air markets. It is bordered to the north by the Kumasi Cultural Centre and to the north west by the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The southern part of the Kejetia market forms a border with Adum, the commercial centre of the cty. Virtually everything that one wants to purchase from a market can be found at Kumasi Central Market.
Kejetia market ranges from gold jewelry and diamond jewellery handcrafted by the Ashantis, food, Ashanti kente clothing fabrics and footwear by Printex, spices, grains, and toiletries. If a person is traveling with someone, it is necessary to stay close since it is very easy to lose one another and easy to lose one’s way. Kejetia market is a great place to buy fabric such as the Ashanti people’s kente clothing, and see a huge Kejetia market, full of everyday hustle and bustle.
Kejetia Market Redevelopment
While there was initial resistance to the Kejetia-Central Market Redevelopment Project – mainly from informal traders – there is a general consensus that this market will aid sustainability of local businesses and engagement around payment models are currently under way.
In 2014, the king’s vision was realised when Ghana’s Parliament approved the redevelopment of the 100-year-old market that was once plagued by constant fire outbreaks that resulted in the destruction of stores, stalls and their goods.
Government is building an entire town around the taxis, the traders and, around Kumasi as a whole.
Emmanuel Danso, consultant – Contracta Engineering Limited
A first of its kind in West Africa – the bustling Kumasi Central Market (also known as the Kejetia Market) is the largest open-air market in continental Africa and is situated right in the heart of Kumasi, the capital of Ashanti.
The market consists of an administration block, a post office, a fire station as well as a clinic among other facilities.
To put its size into perspective, the terminal feeds the $258 million market with close to 14,000 people who commute with over 1,000 taxis, to enjoy a unique shopping experience with over 45,000 stores, 10,000 traders and approximately 1,000 workers.
Inside the new Kejetia Market
