Woman collapses as KMA demolishes shops around Baba Yara Stadium

A woman reportedly collapsed after witnessing excavators demolish her shop during the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly's (KMA) ongoing operation to remove unauthorised temporary structures around the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The incident occurred as Assembly officials, with support from military personnel, continued the demolition exercise targeting structures said to have been erected without the necessary approval and in breach of the city's planning regulations.

Eyewitnesses said the woman, whose identity was not immediately established, fainted after watching her shop being reduced to rubble. She was promptly assisted by bystanders and sympathisers, who rushed to her aid while the demolition exercise continued.

The operation saw the removal of several temporary structures as part of the KMA's efforts to decongest the area, improve public safety, restore order and enforce compliance with planning regulations.

The Assembly maintained that the exercise had been preceded by adequate notice, explaining that affected traders and property owners had earlier been served with eviction notices and informed through a series of stakeholder engagements.

According to the KMA, occupants were given sufficient time to remove their structures voluntarily before the demolition exercise commenced.

The Assembly also advised owners of the affected structures to retrieve any remaining belongings from the demolition sites as soon as possible.

Despite the Assembly's justification, the exercise was characterised by emotional scenes, with several traders expressing distress over the destruction of their businesses and investments as demolition equipment cleared the area under tight security.