Traders operating at the New Kejetia Market and other major commercial hubs across Kumasi have pledged their unalloyed support and loyalty to the newly installed Asantehemaa, Nana Ama Bonsu.

The pledge was announced by the Chairman of the Kumasi City Market, Johnson Ankrah, following a delegation visit by market leaders to the Manhyia Palace to pay a courtesy call on the Asantehemaa and formally welcome her to the revered stool.

Speaking to journalists after the visit, Ankrah expressed the trading community’s excitement over the installation, describing the Asantehemaa as the traditional custodian and mother of all markets in Asanteman.

“The Queen Mother is the traditional owner of all market lands across our city. As traders, we feel deeply honoured and proud to welcome her to the throne, and we consider it a solemn duty to formally register our readiness to serve and support her reign,” Ankrah stated.

Pledging the market leadership’s commitment to ensuring strict compliance with all traditional directives from the Manhyia Palace, Ankrah also warned traders against indiscipline.

He urged all market men and women to maintain high ethical standards and refrain from actions that could tarnish the reputation of the trading community.

“We are strongly appealing to every trader to comport themselves with dignity. Anyone who engages in behaviour that brings the name of the trading community into disrepute will not be spared. We must protect the respect and integrity that Kumasi traders are known for,” the chairman stated.

Ankrah further charged all market executives, shop owners and street vendors to accord the Asantehemaa the highest level of reverence.

He instructed traders to remain responsive to traditional calls, emphasising that compliance with palace invitations or community assignments must be prompt and absolute.

“Whenever the Queen Mother requires our attention, whether by formal invitation or traditional assignment, every trader must comply fully without hesitation. Her leadership is vital to the prosperity of our markets,” Ankrah concluded.