Kejetia Market
Ashanti
Kejetia Market, also known as Kumasi Central Market, is located in Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Ghana. It is the largest single market in West Africa, hosting over 8,000 stores and stalls with approximately 20,000 vendors. The market attracts about 50,000 visitors daily, making it a vibrant hub of commerce and culture. Established in 1924 alongside Accra's Makola Market, Kejetia was modeled after British markets to accommodate a growing number of traders. Despite challenges such as poor infrastructure and hygiene in its early years, it has remained central to local trade. Redevelopment efforts began in 2015 to modernize the market, including the construction of new facilities with thousands of stores. However, the market has faced setbacks from several fire outbreaks, notably in 2016 and 2025, which destroyed many shops. Power supply issues also arose in 2022 due to outstanding debts but have since been partially resolved. Today, Kejetia Market remains a key economic and cultural landmark in Ghana, renowned for its vast variety of goods and dynamic atmosphere.
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Astuce: Visit Kejetia Market during weekdays to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed shopping experience. Purchasing tickets or vendor permits ahead of time is recommended for traders. Be cautious of personal belongings due to the market's busy nature. Discounts may be available when buying in bulk or negotiating directly with vendors. Early morning visits offer the freshest goods and a glimpse into the market's lively opening routines.
Faits intéressants
- •Kejetia Market is the largest single market in West Africa with over 8,000 stores and stalls.
- •Approximately 50,000 people visit the market daily, with 20,000 vendors operating within it.
- •The market was established in 1924 alongside Accra's Makola Market, modeled after British markets.
- •Major redevelopment began in 2015, including a new market with about 8,420 stores completed in 2018.
- •Fire outbreaks in 2016 destroyed over 200 shops, and another fire occurred in 2025.
- •In 2022, the market was temporarily disconnected from the national power grid due to a large outstanding debt, which was partially paid to restore electricity.
Histoire
Kejetia Market was established in 1924 as part of a colonial initiative to organize street trading in Kumasi, modeled after British market systems.
Initially, it faced issues with poor infrastructure and sanitation, prompting government efforts to industrialize trade.
Post-independence, it remained a vital center for small-scale commerce.
In 2015, a major redevelopment project commenced to modernize the market, with phases spanning several years.
The market has experienced significant challenges including destructive fires in 2016 and 2025, and power cutoffs due to unpaid debts in 2022, reflecting ongoing struggles with infrastructure and management.