Three members of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) taskforce, including a military officer, have been injured following a standoff with squatters at the Asafo overpass in Kumasi.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon when the taskforce, supported by police and military personnel, moved to demolish unauthorised structures behind the COCOBOD building.
According to the Assembly, the structures were illegally erected and were obstructing the free flow of the Subin River, a situation it says has contributed to recurring flooding in parts of the Kumasi metropolis.
The exercise turned chaotic when occupants of the structures resisted the demolition. Some residents allegedly threw stones, sticks, and other objects at the officials as they attempted to clear the area.
The attack left three taskforce members injured, including a military officer, forcing the team to temporarily withdraw and regroup to prevent further escalation.
The situation became more tense after a warning shot was fired by one of the military officers, but the occupants continued throwing objects at the team.
Two KMA taskforce vehicles and the excavator being used for the demolition were vandalised, with their windscreens shattered and tyres deflated.
Some affected traders were seen salvaging their belongings from the debris as bulldozers moved in to clear the area.
The occupants, however, claimed they were not given prior notice before the demolition and expressed concerns about the impact of the exercise on their livelihoods.
Speaking to JoyNews after the operation was suspended, Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi said the Ashanti Regional Police Command had received a report on the incident and would investigate the matter to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
He added that the injured personnel had been issued medical forms to seek treatment and confirmed that all three were in stable condition.
Mr. Ofori-Agyemang Boadi said the Assembly would return with a stronger team to continue the demolition exercise and arrest those responsible for the attacks.
“We will mobilize and form a stronger team and go back to continue the demolition exercise and arrest the perpetrators,” he said.
The Mayor explained that the exercise was necessary to prevent flooding and address security concerns, noting that the area had allegedly become a hotspot for illegal activities.
“There are so many illegal activities going on there, including prostitution, drug abuse, and other vices by some youth at the place. We cannot allow this to continue. This place has also become a security threat,” he stated.
