The Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) on Tuesday undertook a major decongestion exercise at the Nana Bosoma Central Market enclave in Sunyani, demolishing shops, stores, and makeshift structures sited under its high-tension transmission lines.
The move, which GRIDCo officials say forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to prevent accidents and safeguard lives, affected dozens of traders, mechanics, hawkers, and head porters who had been operating directly beneath the power lines.
During a visit to the scene, the Ghana News Agency observed heavily armed police officers supervising the demolition while traders and artisans hurriedly salvaged their belongings and equipment from the rubble. Some squatters who had been using the enclave as shelter were also displaced.
Although GRIDCo representatives declined to publicly comment, information gathered indicated that affected persons had been served notices to vacate the area before the exercise commenced.
Despite this, many of the displaced expressed distress over the sudden loss of their businesses. “We don’t have anywhere else to go,” lamented Madam Hagar Addae, a trader. “We are appealing to the Sunyani Municipal Assembly to help us find a place.”
An auto mechanic, Stephen Asiedu, also voiced concern that relocating from the Sunyani main garage would seriously impact their livelihoods. “This could collapse our businesses if no alternative space is provided,” he said.
Attempts to reach Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Vincent Antwi Agyei, for clarification on possible relocation arrangements proved unsuccessful.
The demolition highlights the growing tension between enforcing public safety regulations around transmission lines and the economic survival of thousands of urban poor who depend on such spaces for their daily income.
