A structure being pulled down
A WOMAN reportedly collapsed after watching excavators demolish her shop during the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly’s (KMA) ongoing exercise to remove unauthorised temporary structures around the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
The emotional incident occurred as officials of the Assembly, backed by military personnel, continued the demolition of structures said to have been erected without approval and in violation of the Assembly’s planning regulations.
The woman, whose identity was not immediately known, reportedly fainted after seeing her shop reduced to rubble. She was quickly rescued and attended to by sympathisers and bystanders at the scene as the exercise continued.
Several temporary structures were pulled down during the operation, which forms part of the KMA’s efforts to decongest the area, restore order, enhance public safety and enforce compliance with planning directives.
Officials of the Assembly insisted that the exercise was not a surprise, explaining that several notices had earlier been served on affected traders and property owners. According to the KMA, a series of stakeholder engagements were also held to inform occupants about the impending demolition and the need to remove their structures voluntarily.
The Assembly further urged owners of the demolished structures to retrieve any remaining belongings from the affected sites immediately.
Despite the Assembly’s explanation, the exercise was marked by emotional scenes, with some affected traders lamenting the loss of their businesses and investments while demolition machines continued clearing the area under heavy security.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi