The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly conducted a demolition of unauthorised structures, mainly shacks, behind the Adum COCOBOD building near the Asafo overpass in Kumasi. Residents resisted the operation by pelting the demolition taskforce, including soldiers, with stones and clubs, leading to chaotic and tense scenes.
The confrontation disrupted the exercise as reported by JoyNews and other sources.
According to eyewitnesses, the demolition exercise was intended to bring order to the area and clear the unauthorised structures that had been a concern for residents and authorities alike. However, the move was met with fierce resistance from residents who claimed they had not been given enough notice or compensation for their properties.
The residents, mostly traders and market women, alleged that they had been using the space for years without any issues and were not given adequate time to relocate.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly had announced the demolition exercise in advance, citing the need to decongest the area and prevent further encroachment on public spaces.
The Assembly had also promised to provide alternative spaces for the affected residents to relocate their businesses. However, the residents claim that the alternative spaces offered were not suitable for their needs and were not located in a convenient area.
Mr. Eric Kofi Owusu, a resident of the area and a member of the Adum Market Association, expressed the frustration of the residents. “We were not given enough notice, and when we saw the demolition team coming, we tried to protect our properties.
We understand the need for decongesting the area, but we need to be treated fairly and given adequate compensation for our losses.” Mr. Owusu’s sentiments were echoed by many other residents who felt that their rights as citizens were being disregarded.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has come under fire for its handling of the situation, with many accusing the authorities of being heavy-handed and insensitive to the needs of the residents. The Assembly has promised to investigate the incident and provide compensation to those who were affected.
However, the incident has raised concerns about the relationship between the authorities and the residents of the city, and the need for a more collaborative approach to addressing issues such as urban development and public space management.
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