In recent months, the authorities of the Asokore Mampong Municipality have emphasised the necessity of relocating the hundreds of wood sellers from Akwatialine to facilitate the redevelopment of the area.

Back in April 2023, some woodworkers sustained injuries during a confrontation with security operatives when they refused to vacate the area where they work.

Kennedy Kankam, the Asokore Mampong Municipal Chief Executive, previously stated in an interview with Citi News that the woodworkers would be permitted to operate in the newly constructed stores upon completion.

While some woodworkers continue to resist the relocation for the redevelopment plans, and the matter is currently in court, construction activities for the redevelopment project have already commenced.

On Tuesday, as the contractors were extending construction works to their area, some woodworkers allegedly clashed with the land guards. This clash resulted in injuries to the individuals involved.

Mathew Amissah, the presiding member of the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly, said efforts will be made to address the ongoing conflict between the wood sellers and the authorities involved.

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According to reports, about 50 shops have been destroyed in the fire which began at around 7:00am.

The Ghana Fire Service was at the scene to prevent the further spread of the fire, but residents say the personnel did not intervene to douse the fire.

“We called the Fire Service, and for almost two hours, no one came here. Finally, they came with an empty car and left with the excuse that they were going for water,” one said.

“We called and they (Fire Service) said they will not come because we live in kiosks. We fetched water in our buckets in an attempt to put out the fire,” another stated.

But speaking on the matter, Manhyia Divisional Police Commander, ACP Kwaku Buah, said the fire tenders could not access the fire’s base.

“The fire tender has been here for over an hour but cannot have access to the firebase, where the fire started. Why don’t you blame the one who started the fire because I know people have been educated that around this time, you don’t set fire to anything.

“The best they can do is use the tube to get to the place. This place is too congested for even pragyia (a tricycle) to go through. This is wood on fire. You salvage it and bring it to where there is no fire, fire starts there. That is what is happening,” he said.

Three fire tenders have been transported to the scene.

The cause of the fire is yet to be established but residents have alleged that the burning of wood waste in the area caused the fire.