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Mr Akwasi Oppong-Ofosu, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has assured of government's commitment to develop Kumasi Central Market to an appreciable standard. He said the Market is of strategic economic importance to the government and, therefore, it behoves stakeholders to be supportive of its reconstruction. He decried the congestion at the Market due to the lack of proper planning, which makes it difficult at times to tackle emergencies such as fire outbreaks. Mr Oppong-Ofosu made this known during a meeting with identifiable groups of the Central Market in Kumasi. The meeting aimed at updating the members on preparations being made by the government for the reconstruction of the Market considered as one of the oldest and largest open markets in sub- Saharan Africa. It was attended by Mr Eric Opoku, Ashanti Regional Minister, as well as a delegation from Brazil headed by Ms Irene Gala, the Brazilian Ambassador. The proposed reconstruction of the Market is a joint project between the Government and Brazil. Mr Oppong-Ofosu urged traders to comply with directives in respect of the development of the Market, saying after the reconstruction, the original occupants would not be sacked. Mrs Gala said Brazil would continue to strengthen ties with Ghana for the mutual benefit of the two countries. She paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, at his Manhyia Palace, where he was briefed on the conceptual design of proposed reconstruction of the Market.