Tension is rising at the Kasoa New Market following the demolition of several shops by the Municipal Assembly to pave the way for the construction of a proposed 24-hour Economy Market.

The structures, mainly occupied by operators of corn and cassava mills, were demolished on Saturday, May 23, sparking anger and anxiety among affected traders who fear losing their source of income.

Some shop owners argue that the demolition was carried out despite the existence of an active Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Assembly, adding that authorities failed to provide a clear roadmap regarding compensation or relocation.

The traders insist they are not against the government’s development agenda but are unhappy with the manner in which the exercise was conducted.

One affected trader’s son narrated the emotional impact the demolition has had on his father, who reportedly invested his pension benefits into the business.

“My father has spent all the money he got from his pension to invest in this corn mill. And now it is going to be demolished. As I speak, he is sick. From the day he heard that there was going to be a demolition, he hasn’t been well. How is he going to survive?” he told Accra-based Citi FM.

Meanwhile, Municipal NADMO Director Nash Nyandey says the demolition formed part of efforts to support the government’s plan to establish 24-hour Economy Market Centres across the country.

According to him, the Assembly intentionally carried out the exercise on a Saturday because the market was relatively inactive at the time.

“We have engaged every stakeholder on several occasions. The municipality has noted that any trader who will be affected should come to the assembly for further compensation. So far it is the uncompleted structures we have demolished,” he explained.

The Kasoa CBD redevelopment project has remained controversial in recent months due to disagreements between authorities and traders occupying temporary structures at the site.

The situation became more alarming earlier this week after a construction worker at the project site was gruesomely murdered. The victim, who reportedly worked as both a carpenter and security guard, was found dead with multiple machete wounds.

Despite the shocking incident, authorities have remained silent on the matter while work on the project continues.

Traders affected by the redevelopment say they are now seeking clarity from the Assembly over compensation, relocation, and the future of their businesses as uncertainty continues to grow around the project.