One person has died from gunshot wounds, and two others were seriously injured after a police-supervised demolition on disputed land in Akwatia Line, a suburb of Kumasi, turned violent.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred Wednesday morning when a private developer—claiming ownership of the land largely occupied by traders—arrived with police to demolish structures.
The traders resisted, saying they were not given prior notice and had not received any eviction orders, sparking the confrontation that led to the casualties.
The parcel of land has long been the subject of ongoing court litigation.
For months, a private developer known only as “Bossu” has claimed ownership of the land currently occupied by traders.
Despite the court yet to rule on the matter, traders were met with a police demolition team early this week, prompting a tense confrontation. Agitated traders vowed to resist the demolition, escalating the standoff.
An unidentified man has died on the spot from suspected gunshot wounds, while two others sustained varying injuries during a violent confrontation.
Ibrahim Alhassan, a leader among the traders, confirmed the incident. Witnesses reported seeing at least four rounds of bullets fired at the scene, with traders accusing both police and private developers of being behind the sporadic shootings.
The demolition exercise that triggered the clash has left many traders homeless, destroying goods valued at thousands of cedis.
In response, the Manhyia District Police Command has arrested three individuals in connection with the incident.