The graded portion of the school land
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, and the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West, Abubakar Sedik, have denied reports that a classroom block at Mankranso is being targeted for demolition to pave the way for the construction of a 24-hour market.
The controversy followed the circulation of a viral video in which the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Officer for the constituency, Baabi Dehyee Kwaku, appealed to traditional leaders and other stakeholders to intervene to save the school facility from demolition.
Mr. Kwaku expressed concern over the alleged move, claiming that projects initiated and constructed under the previous NPP administration were being targeted for demolition to make way for other projects, including the proposed 24-hour market.
He called on traditional leaders and influential stakeholders in the district to intervene before the classroom block was pulled down.
The video generated widespread attention on social media, triggering public and political debate over the fate of the facility and the proposed market.
Mr. Sedik, however, dismissed the allegation as “false, misleading and politically motivated propaganda”, insisting that there was no plan to demolish the classroom block.
“Let me state categorically that no one is going to demolish the said school building to construct the 24-hour market,” he said.
He explained that the classroom block was constructed in 2022 but had remained unused since its completion.
According to the DCE, the construction of the facility at the time constituted a misplaced priority, considering other pressing development needs confronting the district.
He said the proposed 24-hour market was a major economic initiative intended to boost trading activities, create employment and stimulate socio-economic development in Mankranso and the wider Ahafo Ano South West District.
Mr. Sedik urged residents to disregard what he described as politically motivated misinformation and assured them that the Assembly remained committed to development and improving living conditions in the district.
Dr. Amoakohene, in a separate statement, also debunked reports of plans to demolish the school facility for the proposed market.
“My attention has been drawn to a viral video circulating on social media concerning alleged plans to demolish a school facility in the Ahafo Ano South West District for the construction of a 24-hour market,” he said.
He assured the public that the school had neither been demolished nor would it be demolished.
“I therefore urge all citizens to remain calm and disregard any claims or speculation until the review is completed and the facts are clearly established,” the Regional Minister said.
Dr. Amoakohene disclosed that he had directed the Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly to immediately halt all activities related to the matter pending a review.
“I have also summoned the relevant stakeholders to my office for a full review of the matter,” he added.
The Regional Minister said his priority was to protect the public interest and ensure the orderly implementation of development projects across the region.
The controversy comes amid wider concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament over the government’s 24-Hour Economy Market Programme, particularly allegations that existing public and community assets were being demolished to make way for new markets.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah & David Afum, Kumasi