The Ghana has witnessed heightened tension in Kasoa following the demolition of several commercial shops and small production facilities at the Kasoa New Market under the directive of the Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly, an operation that has left traders distressed and demanding accountability over what they describe as the abrupt destruction of their livelihoods.
The exercise, carried out on Saturday, May 23, 2026, involved the deployment of heavy earthmoving machinery to dismantle structures within the market space, including locally operated corn and cassava processing units that had served as key informal industrial points for surrounding communities.
Municipal authorities explained that the clearance was undertaken to prepare the land for the commencement of a proposed modern twenty four hour economy market centre, a flagship initiative intended to transform local trade infrastructure and support continuous commercial activity.
However, the operation has generated strong opposition from affected traders, many of whom insist that the assembly acted in bad faith by proceeding with demolition despite what they describe as an existing and binding memorandum of understanding between trader leadership and the local authority.
The traders argue that the sudden displacement has thrown their businesses into severe disruption, with no clear relocation plan or administrative roadmap provided to safeguard their investments, many of which were financed through personal loans and long term borrowing commitments.
Some of the affected business operators expressed frustration over the lack of compensation or alternative trading space, stating that they were left without options after their structures were pulled down. One trader lamented that their financial commitments had been placed at risk without adequate consultation or support from authorities.
Despite their grievances, the traders emphasized that they are not opposed to government efforts to modernize the market system or introduce a twenty four hour trading environment, but insist that proper engagement and fair transition measures should have preceded the demolition exercise.
Defending the operation, the Municipal Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation, Mr Nash Nyandey, stated that the exercise was lawful and necessary to ensure the smooth implementation of the development project.
He explained that Saturday was deliberately selected for the clearance on the assumption that market activity would be minimal, a decision aimed at reducing disruption and preventing potential safety risks during the demolition process.
Mr Nyandey further maintained that consultations had taken place with stakeholders over time and reiterated that affected traders are expected to present themselves to the assembly for discussions on possible compensation arrangements. He added that only uncompleted structures were targeted in the operation as part of the broader redevelopment plan.
Authorities maintain that the clearance forms part of a wider national strategy to establish modern twenty four hour economy market centres designed to enhance productivity, improve trading conditions, and stimulate continuous economic activity across key commercial zones.
SOURCE: Myjoyonline
