Adum PZ traders continue protest against evacuation for decongestion exercise

Traders at Adum PZ in Kumasi are protesting their evacuation.

The evacuation is part of a decongestion exercise. This aims to create clear pathways for emergencies. However, the traders strongly oppose this plan.

During their demonstration, they chanted “Free the youth.” They carried placards with messages like “Asantehene, we need you” and “Government, we need your help.” Other signs read “Why are you not talking, Captain Smart?” and “Lack of jobs.”

The traders are appealing to the Asantehene for help. They want to keep their trading spaces.

One trader told JoyNews, “We beg, we have no one.” She explained that her work supports her family. She asked if they should resort to robbery to survive. The trader urged the Asantehene to assist them and suggested they could manage their own decongestion.

In a dramatic gesture, the traders knelt together. They emphasized their demands and sought urgent intervention.

This protest follows a devastating fire on March 21 in Adum. The fire destroyed many shops and properties, leaving traders distressed.

After the incident, shop owners near Blue Light Arena were ordered to evacuate. This is to make way for a new lorry pathway.

Affected traders believe alternative solutions should be found instead of displacing them.