The Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Samuel Pyne has dismissed claims that the Kejetia New Market will be closed on Saturday, December 7, to force traders to participate in the general elections.

The allegations, said to have been spread by some disgruntled traders at the market, allege that the mayor ordered the closure following a request by the candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, during a meeting with Queen Mothers in Kumasi.

Speaking to Channel One News, Mayor Samuel Pyne categorically denied the allegations, calling them baseless and false. He said his office did not issue any directive to close the market on election day.

The mayor also disclosed that information gathered suggests that some members of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) may be conspiring to disrupt market activities on election day. Mayor Pyne urged traders and the public to ignore the false information and remain calm as authorities work to ensure a peaceful election.

“For the new Kejetia market, the Assembly, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Municipal Security Council have not taken any decision to close this facility due to the elections.

“REGSEC, the Municipal Security Council, met on Tuesday and Wednesday and decided that all facilities in the area will be secured during the elections. We have not taken any decision to close any of the markets in Kumasi metropolis and the region on election day.

“It is a National Democratic Congress (NDC) representative who wrote a fake letter just to divert attention, some of these things should be reported to the police because they cause fear and panic. I will formally report the matter to the regional police command for action. What we do is protect all objects.