Demolition works have commenced at the Nkawkaw Central Market to pave the way for the first phase of its redevelopment, with scrap dealers already moving in to salvage materials.
Heavy-duty machinery was deployed to the site early Friday as authorities began pulling down sections of the market as part of a long-awaited reconstruction project.
As debris piled up, scrap dealers quickly got to work, collecting metal and other reusable materials. Some described the period as a major opportunity for business.
“This is like our cocoa season because there is a lot of material to collect,” one dealer said, while cautioning unauthorised persons to stay away from the site for safety reasons.
However, while demolition progresses in one section, traders in other parts of the market are raising serious concerns over security.
Those operating in Phase Two say thieves are taking advantage of the situation, breaking into shops and stealing goods.
“People are entering our shops and taking our items. We need protection,” one affected trader lamented.
The traders are calling on authorities and security agencies to increase patrols and ensure the safety of their businesses as work continues.
The redevelopment of the market is expected to improve trading conditions in Nkawkaw, but traders say immediate attention must be given to security to prevent further losses.
