Kumasi Railway Petty Traders are pleading for compensation from government following the demolition of their stores by city authorities.
A little over 500 temporal structures in which they ply their businesses were demolished by NADMO officials under the direction of the Ashanti regional Minister a week after the Adum-Blue light fire outbreak.
The demolition exercise was carried out to decongest the area and also pave way for the construction of a road that will stretch through Adum blue light, the old railway transport terminal to link the Abinkyi market.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, the traders lamented bitterly, explaining that their business has come to a standstill since they have not been provided an alternative location to do their business.
“We run our business on loans but sadly, we have not been compensated or given any alternative location to do our business to earn money and pay back the loans.
Donations
All donations coming in are directed to only those whose businesses were razed down by the fire. Meanwhile we too have been affected because our shops have been destroyed through the demolition exercise.
But for the fire incident, our shops would not have been tempered by city authorities”, a red-eyed trader cried out.
Convener of the press conference Mr. Anokye William a.k.a “Rasta” pleaded on philanthropist to factor them whenever making a donation “because we have also been affected”.
Zero Notice
The traders further disclosed that they were ambushed by the demolishing exercise because city authorities gave them no notice.
“I was in the house when I received call that NADMO officials are at our place and are demolishing shops in the area including mine.”, a trader called Afia Nyarko told newsmen.
Another trader who deals in second hand clothing said he was caught unaware by the exercise, recalling that two packs of second hand clothing belonging to him were stolen during the demolition.
Anokye William a.k.a “Paa Willi” also confirmed they were not given notice.
He mentioned that their operation in the area was approved by city authorities , indicating that they have operational permits and lease covering their stay in the area.
“We have been here for many years and we pay monthly dues to KMA. If for anything at all authorities should have engaged us in a dialogue in relation to the demolishing exercise”, he mentioned.
However, checks done by this news portal suggest notice was given by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene.
