By Muyid Deen Suleman
Kumasi, July 17, GNA – The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has demolished unauthorized structures at a notorious slum behind the COCOBOD Jubilee House building in Asafo, an area authorities say has long served as a hideout for criminal activities.
The settlement, located between the Asafo Market, the COCOBOD building, commercial cold stores and other warehouse facilities, extends to the Abinkyi Market. According to the Assembly, the slum had provided accommodation for prostitutes, armed robbers, drug dealers and other criminals.
The area has long been identified as a hotspot for criminal activities, prompting numerous swoops by the police and other security agencies to arrest suspects.
Speaking to journalists at the site on Friday, Mr Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, dismissed claims that the demolition was intended to reclaim the land for a private developer.
He said the exercise was aimed at eliminating criminal activities and improving safety for traders, businesses and the general public in the area.
According to Mr Boadi, the Assembly will construct a fence around the site after the demolition to prevent squatters from returning.
He said the Assembly remained committed to removing all unauthorized structures across the metropolis and dismantling criminal slums.
Unlike an earlier exercise, Friday’s operation was carried out smoothly without any resistance from the squatters.
Mr Boadi explained that the Assembly had given occupants prior notice to vacate the area, warning that any attempt to resist the exercise would be met with decisive action by the joint military and police personnel deployed to supervise the operation.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Audrey Dekalu