Four days after the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) demolished unauthorised structures around the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, some traders have begun reconstructing their shops with newly designed containers.
The demolition exercise, carried out by a joint security taskforce led by the KMA, was aimed at clearing unauthorised structures, restoring order and improving sanitation around the national sports facility.
However, checks by JoyNews have revealed the emergence of new container structures in some areas that were recently cleared, with construction workers laying foundations for new stalls.
Some affected traders who have returned to the area say their actions are in line with directives from the KMA to redesign their structures as part of an urban beautification effort.
One of the traders, Osei Lucy, explained that the reconstruction followed earlier instructions from the Kumasi Mayor on how their containers should be designed.
“Prior to the demolition, the Mayor issued a notice on how he wanted our containers to be designed to enhance the aesthetics of the area. However, some of us failed to comply with his directives. After the demolition, we came together and engaged a contractor to construct new containers that meet the Mayor’s standards,” she said.
Another trader, Afia Frimpongmaa, expressed gratitude to the assembly for allowing them to remain at the location.
“We are very grateful to the Mayor for allowing us to remain here. After our shops were demolished, we were concerned about our livelihoods, but he has given us another opportunity and we are very happy. These uniform containers will beautify the area. Our previous containers were disorganised,” she said.
So far, about 14 traders have reconstructed their containers using the new design and say the structures have received positive feedback from members of the public.
However, some food vendors affected by the demolition have raised concerns about the new structures, particularly regarding safety and security.
The vendors argue that the materials used for the containers could pose fire risks, especially because many of them cook with gas and fire as part of their businesses.
They also expressed concerns about the strength of the locks fitted on the structures, saying they could make their goods and equipment vulnerable to theft.
“We are appealing to the authorities to reconsider some of these concerns before we fully move in. We want structures that will protect both our lives and our investments,” one vendor said.
The contractor for the project, Engineer Obeng Asamoah Dubofo, has, however, dismissed the concerns, insisting that the containers were constructed with approved materials and meet safety and building standards set by the KMA.
Meanwhile, the KMA has confirmed that it authorised traders to reconstruct their containers according to a uniform design.
The Assembly’s Public Relations Officer, Henrietta Afia Aboagye, said the re-emergence of the structures forms part of a planned redevelopment initiative aimed at creating a more organised and orderly trading environment around the stadium.
