Woodworkers and business operators in Sokoban Wood Village are raising alarms over a deteriorating security situation that threatens their livelihoods.
In a bold move, they have threatened to stop paying market tolls unless the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) addresses their concerns, particularly regarding an unlawful takeover of their lands and the pressing need for enhanced security measures.
For over a decade, Sokoban Wood Village has been the premier wood market in the Ashanti Region, employing thousands.
However, the community is increasingly plagued by inadequate street lighting, which has led to a rise in robberies and theft. Local woodworker Kwesi Amedonu shared his fears, stating, “The security situation here is very poor, especially at night.
It is dangerous to operate after 6 p.m. Some unscrupulous individuals have been attacking us, stealing our wood products and leaving us in constant fear.”
,the woodworkers feel vulnerable against increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics.
Abubakar Halifa, coordinator for the Sokoban Wood Village Workers Association, echoed these concerns, noting that their security personnel lack adequate resources, such as firearms, to effectively counter threats.
“We have reported these issues to the Asokwa divisional police command, who assured us of support.
However, we need the government to step in and ensure that our safety is prioritized so we can operate our businesses without fear,” he said.
The woodworkers are therefore threaten to stop paying market tolls if KMA does not address concerns of unlawful takeover of their lands
