Illegal structures are resurfacing at the demolished Kwadaso Onion Market, despite warnings from local authorities.
Traders are defying regulations by rebuilding on the land, raising tensions with residents and officials.
More than a year after the Kwadaso Onion Market was demolished for redevelopment, the site remains vacant and now, illegal structures are creeping back.
Some traders, frustrated by the delay, have started rebuilding, ignoring warnings from the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly.
Tensions flared on Monday morning, July 21, when Assembly members and municipal guards stormed the site to halt construction.
“The land in question was leased to the Assembly by the Lands Commission for a period of 50 years. Last year, all onion traders were relocated to Atwima Techiman, so we are puzzled by their sudden return. As Assembly members, we cannot allow this to happen. We urgently call on the Regional Minister to intervene before the situation escalates into something disastrous,” said Ernest Frimpong, Presiding Member of the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly.
But the Kwadaso NDC Chairman, Issah Moro, who supports the traders, insists they have a right to the land.
“During our campaign, we pledged to the onion traders that this land would be allocated to them. We cannot go back on our word”, he said.
Meanwhile, Municipal Chief Executive Eric Assibey accuses the police of failing to enforce the law, leaving the Assembly powerless.
“I instructed the police to apprehend those attempting to seize the land from the Assembly, but they failed to act on the directive. This suggests a lack of cooperation between the police and the Assembly. As a result, we are awaiting the court’s determination on the rightful ownership of the land before taking further action. Meanwhile, it is important to note that the World Bank has designated this site for a rapid bus terminal project”.
The Assembly is now seeking intervention from the Regional Security Council. But until then, authorities say their hands are tied, even as illegal construction continues unchecked.
