By Ashiadey Dotse
Hundreds of residents at Mankrong Nkwanta in the Agona East District of the Central Region have been displaced following a demolition exercise to pave the way for the construction of a 24-Hour Economy Market.
Several houses have already been demolished as part of the redevelopment project being undertaken by government.
The exercise comes despite earlier appeals by some community leaders for authorities to consider an alternative piece of land for the project.
According to reports, officials of the District Assembly insist the area was historically used as a market during the pre-colonial era.
Among those affected is 66-year-old bedridden resident, Comfort Quansah, who says she has been left homeless after her house was pulled down.
She said residents were informed during a meeting with the assemblyman that they were occupying government land and had to vacate the area.
Comfort Quansah said she was promised temporary accommodation but was later asked to pay rent, which she could not afford.
According to her, she now lives in a room without toilet and bathroom facilities after being forced out of her home.
She also claimed that affected residents have not received compensation or alternative accommodation from government.
Some property owners have accused the assemblyman for the Mankrong Junction Electoral Area, Abraham Inkoom, of misleading them over compensation arrangements linked to the project.
Residents say valuation forms distributed to them for compensation were later described by the District Chief Executive as unofficial.
Affected residents are therefore calling on the central government to intervene and address their concerns.
One resident said he invested all his savings into building his house and is now uncertain about his future following the demolition exercise.
