The Aowin Paramount Chief, Beyeeman Tano Kwaw Benbuin III, has criticised the demolition of the old Enchi market, saying the decision should have been preceded by broader consultations with residents and traders.
The traditional leader questioned the approach adopted by Aowin Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Stephen Morcher, arguing that people who would be directly affected by the redevelopment should have been allowed to express their views before the exercise began.
According to him, the Municipal Assembly must consider the concerns of residents when undertaking major development projects.
He also questioned why the proposed new market could not be constructed at another location, given what he described as the availability of land in the Aowin Municipality.
“Can’t they build the market elsewhere and leave this one there for the people because land is not our problem in Aowin?” he asked in a video circulating on social media.
Beyeeman Tano Kwaw Benbuin III further expressed concern about the resources that had been invested in the old market over the years.
He noted that the facility had been developed and expanded under successive administrations.
The demolition was reportedly undertaken as part of plans to construct a new market under the government’s 24-hour economy programme.
However, the move has generated criticism from some residents and political actors in the municipality.
NPP Aowin Constituency Chairman Samuel Yaw Obeng also described the demolition as unfortunate, saying adequate arrangements should have been made for traders before the facility was pulled down.
He appealed to the MCE to reconsider the approach and take into account the concerns of market women and other affected traders.
The controversy has also reportedly created concerns among some NDC supporters in the municipality, with fears that the decision could have political consequences for the party.
The old Enchi market dates back to the Rawlings administration, when the land was acquired for its development.
Construction and expansion continued under subsequent administrations, with contributions from several former municipal executives and other public officials.
