Akwatialine, situated within the Asokore Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti region was engulfed in violence as a clash erupted between alleged land guards and wood sellers, resulting in the injury of two individuals.
This incident follows ongoing efforts by local authorities to relocate the wood sellers in order to facilitate the redevelopment of the area.
Over the past months, the Asokore Mampong Municipality has emphasised the necessity of relocating the numerous wood sellers from Akwatialine to pave the way for planned redevelopment.
However, resistance from some woodworkers has led to confrontations with security operatives.
In April 2023, clashes ensued when the woodworkers refused to vacate the premises, resulting in injuries.
Mr. Kennedy Kankam, the Asokore Mampong Municipal Chief Executive, had previously addressed the concerns of the woodworkers, stating that they would be allowed to operate in newly constructed stores upon completion, aiming to alleviate their worries.
Despite ongoing legal proceedings regarding the relocation issue, construction activities for the redevelopment project have already commenced.
On Tuesday, as contractors expanded their construction works to the area occupied by the wood sellers, a clash reportedly broke out between the woodworkers and the alleged land guards, who were purportedly contracted by the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly.
The clash comes on the back of denials by the police, army and the government that they use the services of land guards to protect state property.
Mathew Amissah, the Presiding member of the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly, said efforts will be made to address the ongoing conflict between the wood sellers and the authorities involved.
He however, denied hiring Land guards to attack the agitating wood sellers.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Isaac Bediako
