Authorities in the Awutu Senya East Municipality have demolished a number of roadside structures along the Kasoa main road following a standoff with traders who occupied the area.
The sheds, according to Kessben news reporter, which were constructed in 2017 near the main road, were pulled down in the early hours of today under heavy security presence. He noted that, approximately 200 security personnel were deployed to supervise the exercise and maintain order.
The demolition, he insists, follows a directive by government to relocate the affected traders to the designated Iron City market enclave.
However, the traders resisted the move, insisting they had a prior agreement with the contractor responsible for the construction of the structures. They also argued that the municipal assembly had been consistently collecting taxes from them, which, in their view, legitimized their stay.
The contractor, however, has denied the existence of any such agreement, accusing the traders of breaching the original terms of engagement regarding the use of the space.
Prior to the demolition, the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly had issued a notice ordering the traders to vacate the area within a stipulated deadline. The traders reportedly failed to comply, prompting authorities to enforce the directive.
Municipal officials have defended the action, citing safety concerns due to the proximity of the structures to the busy Kasoa main road. They warned that the location posed a significant risk to both traders and commuters.
Authorities have since urged the affected traders to comply with the relocation plan to Iron City, emphasizing that the move is in the interest of public safety, order, and national development.
