A massive demolition exercise has hit the Kasoa Old Market in the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly as the planned redevelopment project commences.
In the early hours of Tuesday, April 7, about 800 traders who operated from temporary sheds, as well as those who ply their trade within the specified area, were affected by the exercise, greatly impacting business.
Despite prior warnings from authorities, some traders insist there was no clear or definitive communication regarding the timing and extent of the demolition.
Many of the affected traders have also rejected the alternative trading site provided by the Assembly, describing the Iron City Market as unsuitable for their operations.
However, the Assembly maintains that the Iron City Market remains a viable option for relocation.
Sharing their plight with the media, Rahman Abdul Mohammed, a staff member of the Assembly, stated that the traders had received adequate directives before the exercise.
Authorities further indicated that measures have been put in place to prevent traffic congestion within the Kasoa Central Business District during the demolition process.
Some traders, however, expressed frustration over the development, accusing authorities of unfair treatment.
Some traders lamented that officials from the Assembly have not treated them fairly. According to them, the promises they were given by the government and the Member of Parliament during the 2024 campaign season are contrary to what is happening to them currently.
One of the traders said, “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.”
A patron and member of the Kasoa Petty Traders Association, Samuel Fosu, also raised concerns about space constraints 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,” he stated.
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