A major decongestion operation led by the Awutu-Senya-East Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and a local security taskforce has triggered strong protests from traders in Kasoa’s Central Business District (CBD).
The exercise, aimed at improving pedestrian and vehicular safety by clearing unauthorised structures along roads and pavements, involved the demolition of makeshift stalls and sheds. Some of the affected traders stormed the office of Member of Parliament Mrs. Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor to express their dissatisfaction with the move.
Despite the backlash, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Mr. Seth Sabah Serwornoo-Banini defended the action, stating that ample consultations had taken place with the traders, their leaders, and other stakeholders prior to the exercise. He revealed that a relocation plan to a designated satellite market at Iron City had been agreed upon during the discussions.
“It’s surprising to see this level of resistance,” Mr. Serwornoo-Banini said. “This was a well-communicated move and we are committed to continuing dialogue, but we must also uphold the law.”
NADMO’s Municipal Director, Mr. Nash Nyande, assured the public that the decongestion exercise would be continuous, with 24-hour enforcement to prevent traders from returning to the cleared areas.
He urged the traders to comply with the new arrangements, noting that the action was necessary to avoid accidents and improve overall safety in the bustling commercial zone.
