There was heightened tension at the Sofoline lorry terminal in the Kwadaso Municipality on Tuesday morning when a group of individuals alleged to be affiliated with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) stormed the facility in an attempt to take over its management from the current leadership.
The incident, which occurred at one of Kumasi’s busiest transport hubs, threw the terminal into a state of confusion as drivers, passengers, and traders were left unsettled by the sudden move. Eyewitnesses recounted how the group arrived in large numbers, confronting the existing management and attempting to assert authority, sparking fears of violent clashes between rival factions. The situation disrupted the smooth flow of transportation and created panic among commuters who rely on the terminal for their daily movement.
Municipal Chief Executive for Kwadaso, Hon. Assibey, upon receiving reports of the incident, moved swiftly to the scene with security personnel to avert chaos. His timely intervention calmed tempers and restored order, preventing what many feared could have escalated into a violent confrontation. Addressing the crowd, the MCE firmly cautioned against unlawful takeovers and reminded all parties that the Sofoline lorry terminal is a public facility that must be managed within the bounds of the law for the benefit of the entire municipality.
Hon. Assibey stressed that the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly would not tolerate politically motivated disturbances at public facilities, adding that peace and order remain paramount in the administration of the municipality. He assured drivers, traders, and passengers that his office was committed to resolving the misunderstanding through dialogue and transparency. To this end, he announced that a stakeholder engagement would be held on Friday to address grievances and ensure that management of the terminal is handled in a manner that upholds stability and fairness.
The intervention of the MCE drew praise from many drivers and traders at the terminal, who said his actions prevented a potentially volatile situation from degenerating into violence. They also appealed to political actors to refrain from meddling in transport union affairs, warning that such interference only creates unnecessary tension and threatens livelihoods.
The Sofoline lorry terminal, a vital hub that serves thousands of commuters daily, continues to be a major driver of socio-economic activity in Kumasi. With the upcoming stakeholder meeting, residents and transport operators are hopeful that a lasting solution will be reached to protect the peace of the area and safeguard the terminal from future disputes.
