A demolition exercise by the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly has left hundreds of traders displaced in Kasoa.
The early-morning exercise displaced approximately 800 traders operating from temporary sheds at the Kasoa Old Market, along with several hundred others who conducted business in the affected area.
While authorities claim prior warnings were issued, some traders insist there was no clear or definitive communication regarding the timing or scope of the demolition.
The traders were provided with an alternative to enable a planned redevelopment project, however, many have rejected the Assembly’s proposed alternative, the Iron City Market, calling it unsuitable for their operations.
The Assembly, however, maintains that Iron City remains a viable relocation option.
In an interview with Citi News, Assembly officer Rahman Abdul Mohammed stated that traders had been adequately informed ahead of the exercise.
Authorities also noted that measures have been put in place to prevent traffic congestion in the Kasoa Central Business District during the demolition process.
But affected traders are voicing deep frustration. Eric, a petty trader, accused local officials of unfair treatment: “The NDC have not treated us fairly, especially Naa Koryoo.
We heard she would demolish this area when she was campaigning. We asked her, but she denied it. She has disappointed us hugely.
My capital is not even up to GH¢1,000. How can I raise GH¢100,000 to rent a stall? Our vote for her has brought no benefit to us.”
Another trader, Akosua, said the notice was far too short: “They announced to us yesterday morning that they were going to demolish the structure. The Iron City Market is not an appropriate place for us. A child drowned in floods there recently. Authorities visited and agreed improvements were needed, but nothing has been done yet.”
Samuel Fosu, a patron and member of the Kasoa Petty Traders Association, raised concerns about space at the alternative market: “The Iron City Market is already occupied. The people there say there’s no space for us. We’ve gone to the Ministry and even the NDC headquarters, but nobody intervened for us. Now they have come to demolish the structure. I have seven children, and this is where I earn my livelihood.”
The demolition is part of the Assembly’s broader redevelopment agenda for the Kasoa Old Market, but concerns remain over its immediate impact on the livelihoods of hundreds of displaced traders.
