Kwadaso Assembly members, commercial drivers petition Otumfuo over alleged plan to convert Ohwimase lorry terminal into fuel station

Assembly Members of the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly and commercial drivers operating at the Ohwimase Junction lorry terminal of Greater Kumasi have appealed to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to intervene in what they describe as an alleged attempt to convert a designated community lorry terminal into a fuel station.

At a press conference on Tuesday, the Assembly Members claimed that some individuals were using the name of the Asantehene to assert ownership over the parcel of land, which they said had long been reserved for the construction of a modern lorry terminal to serve Ohwimase and adjoining communities.

According to the Assembly Members, any attempt to alter the intended use of the land would undermine the area's development agenda and negatively affect commercial drivers, traders and residents who depend on the terminal for their daily economic activities.

They therefore appealed to the Asantehene to intervene and ensure that the land is protected from what they described as encroachment.

The Assembly Members also called on the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly and other relevant state institutions to investigate the matter and ensure that the land remains dedicated to its original public purpose.

Speaking on behalf of the Government Appointees to the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly, Hon. Oscar Antwi condemned the alleged move, arguing that converting the lorry terminal into a fuel station could have far-reaching economic and social consequences for the community.

He further stated that such a development could create a negative public perception regarding the government's commitment to protecting public lands earmarked for community development.

He urged all stakeholders to act swiftly to preserve the land for the benefit of both present and future generations.

Commercial drivers operating at the Ohwimase Junction terminal also joined the appeal, describing the facility as the only major transport hub serving the area.

They stressed that the terminal plays a crucial role in facilitating the movement of passengers and goods to neighbouring communities.

According to the drivers, converting the terminal into a fuel station would disrupt transportation services, displace drivers and traders, and threaten the livelihoods of many families who rely on the facility for their daily income.

The drivers consequently appealed to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Kwadaso Municipal Assembly and other relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that the land is protected and developed into the modern lorry terminal originally envisioned to meet the transportation and economic needs of the rapidly growing Ohwimase community.