Kumasi: Dr Mensah traders threaten demonstrate against KMA over unannounced eviction

Angry traders and commercial drivers at the Asokore-Mampong/MoshieZongo lorry rank at Dr Mensah of the Kumasi Central Market have threatened to demonstrate against the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) over their unannounced eviction from the place.

The traders and drivers, who went to the market on the Tuesday, June 19, 2019, morning to start their daily business activities, saw the area barricaded with plywood, with construction equipment on the site and guarded by police and military presence.

According to some of them who spoke to Otec News’ reporters Henry Acquah and Regina Aboagye, they are aware of the construction of the second phase of the Kejetia Redevelopment Project, but the area is not part of the commencement of the project.

They complained that the city authorities could have announced and made a relocation plan for them before the move, and the situation has made them stranded, hence the decision to meet on Thursday and set date for the demonstration.

“We are not against the project but the authorities should have informed and prepare a place for us earlier. Now we don’t have any place to go, all the satellites markets in metropolis are all occupied, leaving us stranded,” a stranded trader said.

Asked about their next move, they said “we demonstrate against the city authorities for the unfair treatment and go to the Manhyia Palace to plead with the Asantehene, OtumfuoOsei Tutu II, to intervene”.

Otec News visit to the site saw construction equipment have the inscriptions of the Brazilian construction firm, ContractaEngenharia Limited, the firm handling the Phase 2.

Efforts by the news team to contact the management of the firm proved futile as the entrance to the site was closed and manned by the military.

Source: otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah