Barekese Residents, Traders Stage Massive Protest Against DCE Over Market Relocation of 24-Hour Economy Market
Residents and traders of Barekese in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District of the Ashanti Region have staged a massive demonstration to protest the District Chief Executive’s (DCE) for Atwima Nwabiagya North Hon. Mba Alambila Zechariah, plan to relocate a proposed 24-hour economy market from Barekese, the district capital, to Asuofua.
The demonstrators described the decision as unfair and unjustified, insisting that Barekese, as the administrative and commercial hub of the district, remains the most suitable location for such a major economic project. According to the protesters, the town has sufficient available land to host the market, which would not only boost local trading activities but also create an organized space for traders, easing congestion along major roads.
Speaking to the media during the demonstration, the leader of the protest, Mr. Dickson Amankwa, explained that the action was jointly organized by traders and members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to demand equitable development for Barekese.
“We cannot allow our DCE to take the development of Barekese for granted by relocating such an important project to Asuofua,” Mr. Amankwa stated. “We are calling on President John Dramani Mahama to intervene because Barekese also deserves its fair share of development.”
He further emphasized that since Barekese separated from Nkawie, most major infrastructure projects, including the police station, fire service station, and hospital, have been sited in Nkawie, leaving Barekese underserved.
“Now that Barekese is a district capital, it is only right that key development projects, such as the 24-hour economy market, are located here to stimulate economic growth and improve the living conditions of our residents,” he added.
As part of the protest, the demonstrators presented a petition to the District Chief Executive of Atwima Nwabiagya North. The petition was received on his behalf by the District Coordinating Director, Mr. Solomon Kwaku Adjei, who assured the residents that their concerns would be forwarded to the relevant authorities and addressed appropriately.
“I will ensure that your petition reaches the appropriate offices, and you will hear from us soon,” Mr. Adjei said. “Your peaceful demonstration demonstrates civic maturity, and your concerns will be given the attention they deserve.”
The protest saw hundreds of residents, traders, and NDC members, many dressed in red, march through the principal streets of Barekese, chanting slogans demanding that the market project remain in the town. The demonstrators emphasized that locating the market in Barekese would promote local business, reduce traffic congestion, and provide the district capital with the development it has long been awaiting.
The protest ended peacefully, with residents expressing hope that their voices would influence the final decision regarding the siting of the 24-hour economy market.
