Developer calls for compensation for affected Ashaiman traders

Businessman and developer of the Ashaiman Traffic Light area, Alhaji Abdul Rahim Haruna, popularly known as “Dagomba Boy,” has called on the government to compensate traders affected by a recent demolition exercise that destroyed shops and other structures along the roadside.

His appeal comes after more than 50 shops were demolished in the area, leaving several traders stranded and counting losses. The exercise, which took place in the early hours of Thursday, May 21, 2026, has sparked widespread concern among affected traders and residents.

Alhaji Haruna has, however, distanced himself from the demolition, denying any involvement in the operation, which was reportedly carried out by unidentified individuals.

He explained that while he supports development and urban renewal, "the manner in which the demolition was conducted was wrong and lacked proper engagement with those occupying the land."

According to him, many of the traders and settlers have been on the land since 1975 and their long-standing presence should have been taken into consideration before any clearance exercise was undertaken.

He argued that government must step in to ensure that those affected are compensated for their losses and properly resettled to avoid further hardship.

The developer further proposed what he described as a more sustainable solution to the situation, suggesting that government could compensate affected traders and then develop properly planned shops for peaceful settlers to operate in a structured environment.

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He also recommended the creation of a modern car park facility for the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to support transport operations in the area, stressing that such an approach would bring order and long-term development benefits to Ashaiman.

Speaking in an interview on May 26, 2026, Alhaji Haruna criticised the approach used in carrying out the demolition, insisting that he supports investment and development but believes due process was not followed.

He added that credible land administration requires proper verification and resolution of disputes before any redevelopment is undertaken, especially in areas with long-standing occupants.

Meanwhile, affected traders have expressed shock and frustration over the demolition exercise, which they say was carried out without prior notice. Many of them deal in plumbing materials, electrical appliances, provisions, and generators, and have lost both shops and goods in the process.



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