Obuasi Municipal Assembly Demolishes Illegal Container Shops, Warns of Further Unannounced Enforcement Exercises
The Obuasi Municipal Assembly (OMA) has begun a major enforcement exercise to remove unauthorised container shops across the municipality, demolishing some structures around the Fobest Shopping Centre and warning that similar operations will continue without prior notice.
The early morning exercise, carried out on Thursday, followed repeated notices issued by the Assembly directing owners to remove the structures voluntarily. According to municipal authorities, many affected operators failed to comply despite several warnings.
The operation, led by the Municipal Works Engineer, Mr David Agyei, commenced in the early hours of the day with support from the Ghana Police Service. Although some shop owners attempted to resist the demolition, security personnel maintained order and ensured the exercise was completed without major incident.
Speaking to the media after the operation, Mr Agyei described the exercise as the first phase of a broader decongestion and enforcement campaign aimed at restoring order within the municipality.
He cautioned owners of container shops and other unauthorised structures who have already received demolition notices to remove them immediately, warning that subsequent enforcement exercises would be conducted without prior announcement.
“This operation marks the beginning of a sustained exercise to reclaim public spaces and enforce the Assembly’s planning regulations. Property owners who have been served notices should act promptly to avoid losing their structures,” he said.
The operation successfully cleared illegally sited container shops that had gradually occupied areas surrounding the Fobest Shopping Centre.
Municipal authorities explained that the exercise was also motivated by growing public safety concerns following a recent fire outbreak at the shopping centre. According to eyewitness accounts, the fire is believed to have originated from a container shop located behind the facility before spreading to adjoining structures.
The Assembly believes that removing unauthorised containers will not only reduce fire risks but also improve accessibility for emergency services, enhance public safety, and contribute to the beautification and orderly development of the Obuasi Municipality.
Municipal officials have reiterated their commitment to enforcing planning regulations and urged residents and business owners to cooperate with the Assembly in creating a safer, cleaner, and more organised urban environment.
Ernest Kofi Offen
ISD, Obuasi
