Coffin makers curse Kumasi Mayor over demolition

Angry coffin makers at Labour roundabout in Kumasi have invoked curses on the Mayor of Kumasi and city authorities following the demolition of a public toilet in the area.

The coffin dealers who say they are about 500, have accused the KMA of allowing the demolition of the public toilet to pave way for further demolition of adjourning structures in the area as a way of evicting them

“Some people from KMA environmental department came to educate us on chemicals we use to manufacture the coffins not knowing the assembly had planned to move us from this place. We will not allow the assembly to relocate us from here without giving us a place to go. KMA cannot intimate us because we are ready to fight for our right with our blood,” they threatened

Chairman of the Coffin manufacturers Eric Acheampong who spoke to Pure Fm’s Osei Kwadwo said the demolition of the public toilet will cause open defecation in the area.

“Though we have three toilets in this area, two of them are owned by a private person and they close around 5pm. The demolished toilet is for the public which is serving the whole community. The move will cause open defecation in this place,” he said.

According to him, coffin sellers and manufacturers will not move from the place if the assembly fails to address their concerns.

“KMA wants to use force to move us from this place. We are not ready to die. We will fight till we win. We have invoked curses on anyone who is behind the decision to relocate us. We will not move to Sokoban. KMA wants to collapse our business and that decision will also affect the economy because we pay tax for development of this country,” he added.

The Assemblymember for Asem Electoral, Thomas Ekow Sackey, explained to MyNewsGh.com that the assembly has not planned to relocate the coffin sellers and manufacturers in the area.

According to him, the assembly is unaware of the demolition of the public toilet saying investigations will be conducted into the matter calling for calm among the coffin makers

“I’m not aware that KMA wants to relocate the coffin sellers and manufacturers at that place. What they are saying is not true. Even the assembly cannot relocate them without get them a place of their choice. They should do their work and stop thinking about rumours,” he explained.