Drivers and traders at the Koforidua-Kumasi Lorry Station in the Eastern Region have appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene in a dispute over the proposed installation of a telecommunication mast at the station.
The group is accusing the New Juaben South Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Ransford Boakye, of allegedly working with some individuals to allocate part of the lorry station to a telecommunications company for the construction of the mast.
The protesters claim that workers of the company, accompanied by heavily armed security personnel, arrived at the station in the early hours of Saturday, August 22, 2026, to begin preparations for the project.
They argue that installing a mast within the busy station could pose health and safety concerns, considering the large number of drivers, traders, passengers and other workers who use the facility every day.
Vice Chairperson of the Wisdom Cooperative Union, Alhanssan Adamu, speaking to journalists, gave the MCE a three-day ultimatum to stop the project and reverse the alleged decision.
The aggrieved drivers and traders later marched peacefully to the Yiadom-Hwedie Palace to seek the intervention of the Overlord of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng.
Daasebre Kwaku Boateng said he had not been informed about the project but assured the protesters that he would not support the installation of the mast at the station if their claims were confirmed.
He maintained that areas where people work and conduct their daily activities should not be used for the installation of telecommunication masts. He instead pointed to Obour Tabri as a designated location where such infrastructure could be mounted.
Mr. Alhanssan Adamu further warned that if the MCE failed to respect the traditional leader’s position and halt the project, he would take the matter to the Presidency to seek President Mahama’s intervention.
He explained that the people of Koforidua value peace and stability and therefore do not want the dispute to develop into a situation that could disrupt public order.
He consequently appealed to President Mahama to urgently intervene and consider the removal of the MCE if he fails to address the concerns of the affected drivers and traders.
The group is demanding that the proposed project be suspended until proper consultations are held with the station’s users and the relevant authorities.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Amuzu Priscilla
