A demolition exercise at Abrepo Junction in Kumasi has been met with resistance from some affected traders, who clashed with security personnel deployed to the area.
The demolition, which began at about 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, was undertaken by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to make way for road expansion and construction works associated with the Suame Interchange project.
Some of the traders affected by the exercise expressed anger over what they described as a lack of accountability regarding a GH¢200 payment they allegedly made to facilitate their relocation.
According to the traders, they were required to pay GH¢200 in connection with arrangements to move them from the area, but they claim no clear explanation has been provided about the money.
The situation reportedly became tense when the aggrieved traders confronted security personnel supervising the demolition exercise.
One of the evicted traders, speaking with the media, said the affected persons felt cheated because they had paid the money but were now being forced out without any account of the funds.
“They took GH¢200 from us to facilitate our movement. Yesterday, Zuba (Mayor) came here and asked that we move out. But nobody is accounting for the money they took from us. We feel cheated,” the trader said.
The traders are therefore demanding clarification from the authorities over the payment and, where appropriate, a refund of the GH¢200.
The demolition forms part of ongoing efforts to clear areas earmarked for infrastructure development around the Suame Interchange corridor.
The exercise has, however, raised concerns among affected traders over their relocation arrangements, compensation and the handling of payments reportedly collected from them.
The confrontation between the traders and security personnel underscores the growing tension surrounding the exercise, as authorities proceed with the demolition to facilitate the planned road and interchange construction works.
As the situation develops, affected traders are calling on the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to address their concerns and explain the purpose and status of the GH¢200 payments.
By 1960news.com
