The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has justified its decision to increase market from the previous 50 pesewas to Ghc1 across all markets under the assembly’s jurisdiction.

Speaking to sit-in host of Abusua Nkommo, Public Relations Officer for the Metropolitan government was first introduced three years ago.

Godwin Okuma Nyame in a response to agitations by traders of the Asafo Market said the increments should have taken effect about three years ago when the market women pleaded for an extension.

Okuma Nyame explains, “the assembly reached a decision to increase the tolls from 50 pesewas to Ghc1 some three years ago and the market women pleaded with us to postpone it so that they will get some relief”.

“The assembly agreed and offered them the three-year moratorium and now is the time for us to effect the Ghc1 collection and nothing will stop us”, he added.

Meanwhile some traders tell abusuafmonline.com they will not comply with the new tariff until the assembly provides them with basic amenities such as water, places of convenience, electricity and security.