- Kumasi Mayor denies traders petitioned before demolition
- Traders tried to meet with Mayor, but failed
- Private developer demolished market, causing damage.
- Land belonged to private owner, not government.
Kumasi Mayor Samuel Pyne has denied allegations that traders affected by the Abinkyi Market demolition petitioned the Assembly before the demolition took place. The traders had asserted that they tried multiple times to discuss their concerns with the Assembly but were unable to meet with the Mayor for clarification on the demolition plans.
On Saturday, July 20, 2024, a private developer carried out the demolition of the Abinkyi (Afia Kobi) market, resulting in significant damage to traders’ goods and other belongings.
Mayor Samuel Pyne responded to questions about compensation by asserting that no goods were actually damaged, as traders were provided ample time to vacate the premises before the demolition commenced. He invited any traders with ongoing concerns to visit the Assembly for formal redress.
The Mayor clarified that the land where the market stood does not belong to the government, meaning the Assembly does not have jurisdiction over the private developer’s actions. Pyne disputed claims from traders that they had petitioned the Assembly, stating he had not seen any written petitions or personally met with them, though they had approached the coordinating director for discussions.
He further explained that the situation surrounding the market is complicated due to its divided ownership; part of the land is owned by KMA, while other sections are owned by private individuals, leading to a legal dispute. Pyne assured that no property was destroyed during the demolition and urged traders with grievances to come directly to the Assembly for resolution.
