An “Ashanti Region is not for Zuba” placard was pulled up in a fresh protest staged by some aggrieved traders of Adum-Blue light.
The mini demonstration happened in the morning of Thursday and was premised on the deployment of military personnel to the area following traders’ demolition of barricades which were errected under the direction of city authorities.
The barricades were mounted at strategic entry and exit points of Adum-Blue light as a way of barring traders from doing business in the area and to also pave way for the speedy redevelopment of the market and other ruined structures.
During the protest, the traders expressed dissatisfaction over the move and the military approach by city authorities.
The protest happened at the time the leadership of Keen on Development Foundation; an NGO turned up to assess to level of damage, commiserate with affected traders and make a donation to support them.
The team was led by its founder Kyeremeh Oppong Daniel a.k.a “K.O.D” who doubles as the former President for National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS).
After donating 50 bags of cement and a physical cash of GHs 10,000 to the traders, the former NUGS President kicked against the military approach and decision on eviction of the traders from the area.
He said that, ideally the Kumasi City Mayor, Hon. Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi a.k.a “King Zuba” should have engaged the leadership of affected traders in a meeting on the planned redevelopment of the market to solicit for their concerns and views before taking that action.
He underscored that, the compulsory eviction by the City Mayor is a way of taking the business of the market men and women.
“We want to send this message to King Zuba.
We will not allow you to take the business of our mothers and fathers.
We are sending this same message to any government official who is behind this.
If you have better plans on the redevelopment of this area, come over and have a discussion with the traders on that.
Give them space to express their views and interest before taking any action”, he advised.
“We are urging the traders to keep on with their business here.
Nobody can infridge your rights of doing business.
We support you fully”, he encouraged.
