Ashanti car dealers appeal to Otumfuo over KMA eviction exercise
The Ashanti Car Dealers Association has appealed to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to intervene over what it describes as the unfair treatment of its members by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) during an ongoing decongestion exercise along the stretch from Ahodwo Roundabout to Santasi Roundabout.
The Association said the exercise, which forms part of preparations for the construction of a dual carriageway, has displaced several car dealers without providing them with an alternative location to continue their businesses.
Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, the Association’s Secretary, Davis Acheampong, criticised the KMA’s actions, describing the demolition of structures and the eviction of traders as premature and unjust.
According to him, although the Assembly had served notices to businesses along the affected stretch and assured them that a relocation site would be secured, no alternative location has been made available despite the commencement of the exercise.
Mr Acheampong stressed that the Association supports the road expansion project but wants measures in place to protect the livelihoods of its members.
“We are not opposed to the road project. We support development, but we need a place to relocate so that our businesses are not destroyed,” he said.
He explained that the Association began discussions with the Assembly about two years ago after plans for the road project were announced, but those engagements have yet to produce a solution.
Mr Acheampong disclosed that the Association had identified an unused parcel of land belonging to the Forestry Commission at Ahodwo Roundabout and proposed it as a temporary relocation site.
He appealed to the Asantehene to help secure the land for the dealers while construction of the road is underway.
Several affected dealers also expressed frustration over the situation, saying the demolitions and eviction orders have disrupted their businesses and threatened their livelihoods.
One dealer, Desmond Tutu, said officials had earlier collected details of affected traders for compensation, but no payments had been made.
He added that the Association refrained from protesting because the KMA had promised to provide an alternative site, a commitment he said has not been fulfilled.
Another dealer, Atta Poku, warned that the closure of his business would lead to job losses and reduce tax revenue generated from the sector.
He appealed to President John Dramani Mahama and the Asantehene to intervene and help resolve the impasse, saying the survival of many businesses and jobs depends on finding a suitable relocation site.
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