The future hangs uncertain for the hundreds of artisans and traders who have long operated at Odifuor Asare Park in Amakom, Kumasi. Their livelihoods are now at stake following a high court ruling on Friday, June 16.
For nearly four decades, the 3.4-acre land has served as a bustling hub for various skilled workers, including mechanics and food vendors.
But a private individual laid claim to the land, challenging the artisans’ longstanding presence and usage.
Over 300 artisans embarked on a legal battle against the private individual, seeking to establish their rightful ownership of the land.
Regrettably, the ruling declared the land to belong to the private individual, leaving the artisans in a state of uncertainty and potential displacement.
The ruling has left the artisans grappling with the fear of losing their source of income and the economic stability they have built over the years.
“We are more than three hundred people operating in the area. All these persons have apprentices. I have worked at the place for the past 38 years. I was the first to start operating there. The KMA allowed us to engage in our activities there. Even if they want to sell the land, we can buy it,” Akwasi Addai, one of the mechanics stated in an interview with Citi News.
In light of this verdict, the aggrieved individuals are now reaching out to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and President Nana Akufo-Addo, appealing for their intervention to prevent the potential loss of their source of livelihood.
“We are appealing to the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and President Akufo-Addo to intervene. We have no one to come to our aid,” one of the affected persons, Georgina Mensah appealed.
Emmanuel Addai, the lawyer representing the affected persons, has expressed the intention to appeal the court’s decision on behalf of his clients.
He urged the artisans to remain calm during this process, assuring them that legal action will be taken.
Efforts to contact the private individual involved in the case have thus far been unsuccessful.