Barekesse youth threaten to block district refuse dump over relocation of 24-hour market to Asuofua
Youth of Barekesse in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District have warned District Chief Executive Hon. Mba Zakaria and the District Assembly that if Barekesse is denied a promised 24-hour market in favor of Asuofua, then the community will also reject hosting the district’s refuse dump site.
According to the youth, the Assembly and the DCE are expected to cut the sod for the 24-hour market project at Asuofua on Tuesday, despite earlier assurances that Barekesse would be the location.
They argue the move is unfair since Asuofua already has three markets.
The youth are also questioning the silence of the Ashanti Regional Minister, regional NDC executives, and the DCE after they petitioned on the same issue with no response.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, Leader of the Barekesse Youth Association, Ernest Kwadwo Adusei, expressed disappointment over the reported relocation.
“We don’t understand why the DCE still wants to take the project to Asuofua after assuring residents in December last year that government intended to build the market in Barekesse to boost business activities within the district,”he said.
Mr. Adusei added that traditional authorities had already allocated land for the project in Barekesse.
“Traditional leaders had already allocated a suitable parcel of land for the project. If the project is not brought to Barekesse, the community will not allow the Assembly to use any land in the area as a refuse dump site for the whole district,” he warned.
Some traders in the community also shared their frustration, saying the 24-hour market would have improved trading conditions and created jobs for the youth.
They are calling on the Regional Minister and party executives to intervene before the sod-cutting at Asuofua.
The District Assembly is yet to officially respond to the allegations and threats from the Barekesse youth.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng
