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0 The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has moved in to halt the establishment of a lorry terminal at the Blue Light Arena in Adum after the destruction caused by fire a week ago.
Last week, the Kumasi Traditional Council ordered the demolition of the walls raised for the lorry terminal.
But a visit to the ravaged market revealed the terminal was near completion, despite the order from the traditional council.
“We realized that the new station coming up under the footbridge, it shouldn’t happen. I engaged the person who have taken over the space and I have told him to halt whatever is happening there”, the Minister said.
He emphasised, “I have told the police and NADMO to make sure they clear that space.”
Sheds for the terminal are already raised, with tiling of the area completed. With the construction done, the terminal is expected to start operations soon.
The fire ravaged three buildings occupied by traders, with many makeshift structures
being affected.
Though police have cordoned off the area, some persons are attempting to return to occupy the space.
Dr. Amoakohene says the police have been directed to stop the return of traders as report on the structural integrity of the buildings is completed.
“Those buildings have so much damage to the extent that if we don’t take steps now and intervene and allow people to go there, it may collapse and may give us additional problems on our hands”, he said.
The Minister added, “We have conducted a structural integrity test and the report is ready, I will discuss with KMA on Thursday at the assembly and get their approval for some key recommendations they have put in the report.”
Meanwhile, the traders are asked to exercise restraint in anticipation of the Asantehene’s decision on the land.
