Kumasi Markets Association and Foss Sellers clash over land allocation at racecourse

The Second-Hand Cloth Sellers and the Kumasi Markets Association which comprises Yam, Tomato and Adwene sellers have clashed over a piece of land at Racecourse with both parties claiming ownership.

They are reportedly claiming that the place has been given to them for trade hence tensions on the grounds. The foss sellers clad in black and red attires with red fabric tied round their head chanted war songs depicting how critical the situation is and the need to retrieve their stolen asset yet the Yam sellers who already are on the grounds trading have shunned their associates.

Speaking to some members of the second-hand clothing Association, one narrated that they were given the land by the Regional Minister, Honourable Simon Osei Mensah on Sunday to occupy following their evacuation from the Central Market.

Having inspected and worked on the land for settlement on Monday, it came to their notice that the Yam, Fish and Tomato sellers have taken over.

“We were given this land to settle for the phase 3 and 4 project to go on. We hired a grader to work on it and the next day, we realised that the Yam sellers have occupied it, he said.

"We had wanted to fight them for what is ours but the Regional Minister, Hon Simon Osei Mensah called us to his office and questioned the KMA Mayor why he has authorized the Yam sellers to accommodate the grounds. Osei Assibey Antwi denied his involvement and he was commanded to evacuate the Yam sellers out.

“We want to tense the atmosphere so they can know how serious we are. We wanted peace yet if they are refusing to comply, we will attack them for our land,” he told Soireenews reporter during their demonstration at racecourse.

Another female seller disclosed that they all have families to take care of there if persuasion fails, force will be applied to recommence their daily business.

“We have been tolerating them for four days now yet they seem to have advised themselves. We have spent money on the grounds and if they desist our orders, we will attack them.

“We can't abandon this site and go home to suffer. It can never be. We also have a family to take care of.”

Meanwhile, the Kumasi Markets Association (Yam Sellers, Tomato Seller and Adwene Sellers) have sent a word of caution to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Simon Osei Mensah that no amount of Military and Police bullying can intimidate them to move out of their place at Racecourse.