Disgruntled shop owners and traders at the Abinkyi market in Kumasi are demanding answers and compensation from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) following the demolition of over 700 shops by a private developer.

The sudden action has left hundreds of traders without a livelihood.

The traders have voiced their frustration over the limited timeline given to relocate, which prevented them from evacuating all their goods, resulting in significant losses.

Despite petitioning the KMA, no action has been taken to address their grievances.

The traders were originally relocated from Racecourse Market to the Abinkyi Market by the Assembly in 2011.

According to the traders, the Assembly sold the shops to them, making the demolition without consultation or compensation particularly unjust.

Isaac Buaben, Chairman of the shop owners, noted they want the KMA to sit with them and decide the way forward as well as the necessary compensation due to the traders; otherwise, the group will advise itself.