Kasoa CBD decongestion exercise underway as traders protest demolition of roadside stalls

The Awutu Senya East Municipal Assembly has started a decongestion exercise. This is in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and a municipal security taskforce.

The operation began early on Monday. It targets unauthorized trading activities in the Central Business District (CBD) of Kasoa. Officials aim to dismantle makeshift stalls and remove traders from pedestrian walkways and roads.

The goal is to restore order, improve pedestrian movement, and enhance traffic flow. Many unauthorized structures were torn down during the operation. This led to protests from affected traders.

A group of traders protested at the residence of their MP, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor. They wore red attire and expressed frustration over the demolitions. They accused authorities of being insensitive to their plight.

Municipal Chief Executive Seth Sabah Serwornoo-Banini defended the exercise in an interview. He stated that there had been prior engagements with trader leaders before starting the decongestion. “We did not act without notice,” he emphasized.

He explained that this effort is part of their mandate for public safety. The MCE noted that traders occupying walkways pose risks to lives and hinder mobility.

Nash Nyandey, the Municipal NADMO Director, supported his remarks. He said this operation is not a one-time effort but part of a sustained initiative. It will include public education and sensitization efforts.

Nyandey urged traders to comply voluntarily with new directives and vacate streets. “This is not a nine-day wonder,” he added, emphasizing ongoing enforcement efforts. They plan to engage traders about the risks involved in street trading.