Anger is brewing in the Ashanti region as young people from Barekese threaten to shut down the local rubbish tip unless plans for a new round-the-clock market are reinstated.
The Atwima Nwabiagya North District community is furious over reports that local government officials have relocated the promised trade hub to a neighbouring town.
Activists argue that if their area is deemed unworthy of essential economic infrastructure, it should no longer have to endure the burden of hosting the district’s waste.
Tensions escalated following news that District Chief Executive Mba Zakaria is preparing to launch construction of the development in Asuofua instead.
This has blindsided Barekese residents, who maintain they were given firm guarantees that the facility would be built on their doorstep to revitalise the local economy.
During a media briefing, Ernest Kwadwo Adusei, representing the Barekese Youth Association, explained that tribal leaders had already set aside a prime plot of land specifically for the project.
He expressed a deep sense of betrayal, noting that leadership had previously inspected the site and provided formal assurances to the community.
According to Mr Adusei, a petition sent to regional ministers and political executives has been met with total silence.
He questioned the logic behind moving the market to Asuofua, a town that already benefits from multiple trading hubs, whilst Barekese, the district capital, is left empty-handed.
Local shopkeepers and market traders have also shared their dismay, having anticipated that the round-the-clock market would generate much-needed employment and boost the regional economy.
As the deadline approaches, campaigners have warned that if the groundbreaking ceremony goes ahead outside their town, they will immediately block all incoming rubbish lorries from using their local landfill site.
The District Assembly has so far declined to comment on the escalating dispute or the allegations of a broken promise.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana