Story: News Desk

The Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly has justified its decision to demolish part of the Kasoa Old Market in the Central region, stating that the move forms part of a long-term plan to replace temporary sheds with modern market stores. 

The exercise, which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, April 7, 2026, affected over 800 traders operating from makeshift structures, along with several others within the enclave, triggering resistance from affected traders. 

Speaking to the media,  the Municipal Physical Planning Officer, Stephen Kakraba, explained that the redevelopment plan dated back  to 2019, when the Assembly resolved to transform the area into a structured and modern commercial space. 

According to him, the Assembly deliberately moved away from the use of temporary sheds due to sanitation and congestion concerns, opting instead for permanent market stores that would improve organisationand hygiene within the central business district. 

“We continued the engagement until last year, when we secured enough funds and brought in contractors, after which we decided to commence the redevelopment project. 

“We have undertaken a series of engagements and understand that in every location, there will be protests. Still, we are confident that we have done our best in engaging all stakeholders”, he said. 

Mr Kakraba acknowledged the resistance from traders but maintained that the Assembly undertook extensive stakeholder engagement before the exercise, stressing that opposition was often expected in such redevelopment initiatives. 

“We want to redevelop the entire CBD into a modern market. We cannot allow sheds that are occupying the space and creating a lot of refuse; we want to avoid that,” he stated. 

Despite the Assembly’s justification, many affected traders have rejected the alternative relocation site, the Iron City Market, describing it as unsuitable for their business operations. 

However, the Assembly insisted that the Iron City Market remains a viable temporary option as redevelopment works continue at the old market site.