Kumasi: A food vendor at Alabar Market in Kumasi, Kande Seidu, has been sentenced to 20 days in prison custody for violating directives of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) by using open fire within the market. The sentence was handed down by District Court Two at the Prempeh Assembly Hall, presided over by Mrs. Deborah Gyawa Donkor.
According to Ghana News Agency, the prosecution informed the court that Kande Seidu, along with her sibling, Fati Seidu, had continuously ignored warnings and abatement notices issued by the KMA's Environmental Health Unit to cease the practice of using open fire. The two were initially brought before the court on January 15, 2026, charged with breaching Sections 27 and 29 of the KMA Public Market By-Laws (2020).
During a subsequent court session on February 23, 2026, Kande Seidu left the courtroom before her case was addressed, while her sibling, Fati Seidu, remained and pleaded guilty to the offence. As a result, Fati Seidu was fined GHS1,200, equivalent to 100 penalty units.
Kande Seidu's absence led the court to issue a bench warrant for her arrest, which resulted in her eventual apprehension and sentencing. The court emphasized that her actions showed a disregard for lawful authority and public safety regulations, justifying the custodial sentence.