Kumasi: Petty traders at Old Railway Terminal push for compensation over demolition exercise

Kumasi Railway petty traders are appealing to the government for compensation following the demolition of their shops by city authorities.

More than 500 temporary structures used by the traders for business were torn down by NADMO officials, acting on the directive of the Ashanti Regional Minister, a week after the Adum-Blue Light fire incident.

According to authorities, the demolition aimed to decongest the area and clear space for the construction of a new road that will run from Adum Blue Light, pass through the old railway terminal, and connect to the Abinkyi Market.

At a press conference on Wednesday, the affected traders expressed deep frustration, stating that their livelihoods have been completely disrupted, especially as no alternative trading space has been provided.

“We run our business on loans but sadly, we have not been compensated or given any alternative location to do our business to earn money and pay back the loans.

All donations coming in are directed to only those whose businesses were razed down by the fire. Meanwhile we too have been affected because our shops have been destroyed through the demolition exercise.

But for the fire incident, our shops would not have been tempered by city authorities,” a tearful trader shared.

Mr. Anokye William, also known as “Rasta,” who led the press conference, called on philanthropists to consider their plight as well. “Because we have also been affected.”

Caught Off Guard
The traders also claimed they were not informed about the demolition ahead of time, describing the operation as an ambush.

“I was in the house when I received call that NADMO officials are at our place and are demolishing shops in the area including mine,” said Afia Nyarko, one of the affected traders.

Another vendor, who sells second-hand clothing, said the exercise caught him off guard. He also alleged that two bundles of his merchandise were stolen during the demolition.

Mr. Anokye William, also known as “Paa Willi,” confirmed that no prior notice was given, stating that the traders were legally operating under permits issued by city authorities.

“We have been here for many years and we pay monthly dues to KMA. If for anything at all, authorities should have engaged us in a dialogue in relation to the demolishing exercise,” he added.

Despite these claims, independent checks by Modern Ghana Online suggest that a notice was indeed issued by Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene ahead of the demolition.