The Kwadaso onion market in the Ashanti Region has been in the news lately, following its demolition by the Ashanti Regional Security Council for redevelopment. This move has left traders in limbo, as they have been relocated to a market in Atwima Takyiman but have refused to occupy the new trading place.
The traders expressed their concerns about the lack of engagement and feared facing another eviction at the relocated market in the near future. Despite efforts to engage with them for over a year, the traders remain hesitant to move to the new market.
During a media briefing, Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah addressed the traders’ concerns, stating that they were given ample time to relocate and that the decision to demolish the market was made after delays from local chiefs. He indicated that the level of development at the new market would determine the traders’ continuous existence there.
However, the traders’ leadership is not convinced of a permanent stay at the new market and has decided to look for a suitable space to buy for their trading activities to avoid future eviction. Mohammed Muniru Ismail, an onion trader, emphasized the importance of securing their own place to prevent being relocated at the whims of authorities.
The standoff between the traders and the authorities underscores the challenges faced by informal traders in navigating urban development and the need for sustainable solutions to support their livelihoods
