Residents and commercial drivers at Ohwimase in the Kwadaso Municipality of the Ashanti Region have passionately appealed to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to intervene in what they describe as an alleged attempt by a private individual to take over their community lorry station for the construction of a private fuel filling station.
The appeal follows rising tension within the community as scores of residents and drivers mounted a protest to express their strong opposition to the reported plan. According to them, the lorry station has served the community for many years as a vital transport hub connecting several surrounding communities within the municipality.
The aggrieved residents explained that the facility plays a critical role in the daily movement of traders, workers, students, and other commuters who rely heavily on the station as their main point of transport. They stressed that any attempt to convert the land for private commercial use would severely disrupt transportation and negatively affect the livelihoods of many people in the area.
Some of the protesters further expressed concern that losing the lorry station would lead to serious congestion and transport difficulties, particularly during peak hours when large numbers of commuters depend on the facility to travel to work, markets, and schools.
The residents also alleged that the purported takeover of the land was carried out without proper consultation with the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly, traditional authorities, or key stakeholders within the community. They described the situation as troubling and said it undermines due process and the collective interest of the people of Ohwimase.
Commercial drivers operating from the station also voiced deep concern over the development. According to them, the removal of the lorry station would not only collapse an important transport terminal but also create confusion and hardship for the many surrounding communities that depend on the facility for their daily transport needs.
They also pointed to the presence of the nearby Creative Arts Senior High School, noting that the government-built institution has significantly increased human and vehicular traffic in the area. According to the drivers and residents, scrapping the lorry station at a time when transport demand is rising would worsen the situation and create serious inconvenience for both residents and students of the school.
The residents are therefore appealing to the Asantehene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, and the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly to urgently intervene and halt any attempt to convert the public transport station into a private filling station until proper consultations are conducted and the interests of the community are protected.
Backing the concerns raised by the residents, the Assembly Member for the Ohwimase Hill Top Electoral Area, Hon. Isaac Siaka, strongly condemned the alleged move, stressing that the purported sale or takeover of the land did not receive approval from the Municipal Assembly or the traditional leadership of the area.
Hon. Siaka described the development as deeply worrying and emphasized that the lorry station remains a lifeline for many communities that depend on it for their daily transportation.
He therefore called on government authorities and relevant stakeholders to immediately investigate the matter and take decisive steps to protect the interest of the community.
The Assembly Member further urged residents to remain calm while the matter is addressed through the appropriate administrative and legal channels.
Meanwhile, the residents have vowed not to remain silent on the issue and say they will continue to raise their voices until the appropriate authorities intervene and provide clear answers regarding the ownership and future status of the land.
For further information, the Assembly Member for the Ohwimase Hill Top Electoral Area, Hon. Isaac Siaka, can be contacted on 0244482025.
