By Vendors at the Kwadaso Onion Market in the Ashanti Region are resisting the move to a newly designated site for their relocation, despite being evicted from their original market four days ago.
The traders harbor concerns about potential future displacements and are reluctant to transition to the land secured by the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly at Atwima Takyiman.
The Ashanti Regional Security Council mandated the traders to vacate the market, leading to the demolition of numerous structures on Monday, under the supervision of armed security personnel.
Nevertheless, the once vibrant Kwadaso Onion Market now stands deserted, as traders refuse to shift to the provided site.
Alhaji Abdallah Umar, a senior figure at the Kwadaso Onion Market, highlighted in an interview with Citi News that there has been no formal agreement between the traders and authorities regarding the relocation process. He asserted that none of the leaders have been approached or consented to the move to the new location, citing its inadequate capacity to accommodate all traders.
“There is no official agreement between us, the traders, and any official following the release of the land for the relocation. None of the leaders here have been contacted or agreed with the Assembly that we are moving to the new place. The new place cannot contain us.”
“We developed the Kwadaso Onion Market before our eviction, but we do not have more information about the new place. You, the media, are also witnesses to the nature of the new place. That is why we are not willing to move there.”
The traders’ leadership is urging its members to remain calm, assuring them that their concerns will be addressed.
They called for the intervention of the Asantehene and the Regional Chief Imam to resolve the matter.
“All we expect is for our members to be calm. The Asantehene is the overlord of the land, and we know he will ensure that there is an amicable solution, so everyone should remain calm. The Regional Chief Imam has also intervened in the matter, and we are convinced that the issues will be resolved. Our members should be reassured that their concerns will be resolved.”
Meanwhile, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, denied that they were not informed before the relocation.
He noted that discussions with the traders had been ongoing for more than a year, and a press release was issued six months ago, outlining the need for their relocation.
However, the Minister clarified that he cannot assure the traders of immunity from potential eviction at the new site, as he is not responsible for determining development areas.
“They engaged them for more than a year. Even about six months ago, we came out with a press release that they should relocate. Some chiefs intervened and delayed the process, that’s why on April 2, the Regional Security Council decided to release the final notice. How can I give assurance when I don’t determine the place for development?”
