A huge hole on a busy road at the Dr. Mensah section of the Kumasi Central Market is causing fear and panic among drivers and traders who use the area.
The hole, which resembles an abandoned mining site, started as a small crack and has grown bigger over time on the main street of the Dr. Mensah section of the market.
The market is one of the largest open-air markets in West Africa, with over 10,000 stores and stalls. It attracts thousands of drivers, traders, and commuters every day.
A trader who works near the hole, Yaa Agyeiwaa, narrated how a passerby fell into the hole and had to be rescued by others.
She said, “One Wednesday afternoon, I noticed that part of the road was sinking. I alerted my friend here and he also informed the driver who had parked his car there. As soon as he moved his car, the road collapsed. Many people have been complaining about how dangerous the hole is. One day, a passerby who did not see the hole plunged into it. I had to call for help to get him out.”
The taxi drivers who operate from this area have also expressed their frustration with the city authorities for ignoring the problem.
One of them, Baah Wiredu, said “They will wait for a disaster to happen before they act. That is not what we want. We have tried to draw their attention to this issue. Someone called the KMA Boss, but he said it was not his responsibility but that of Urban Roads. But he could have used his office to get the right people to do it. They only care about our votes during elections, but after that they forget us. We want them to come and fix this for us.”
The passengers who board taxis from this area are also worried about their safety.
The news team met Afia Agyemang, who was using this part of the market for the first time and was shocked by what she saw.
She said, “I was very surprised to see the hole. I was also scared. What if it rains and the hole fills with water? People who don’t know will easily drown. The authorities must act fast to solve this problem,” she pleaded.
