Deputy Chief of Staff Confirms Halt to Contested Market Construction Near Ashanti School

Key Takeaways

• Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Xoese Dogbe announced that work on a proposed market adjacent to a school in Ahafo Ano South has been suspended.
• The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, ordered an immediate stop after the matter was raised with the regional coordinating council.
• Officials attribute the original site choice to a shortage of available land and are now seeking an alternative location.

The viral video that sparked public concern showed a market structure being erected close to a primary school in the Ahafo Ano South District of the Ashanti Region. Community members feared that the proximity could jeopardise student safety and disrupt learning environments.

In response, Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Xoese Dogbe issued a statement confirming that the regional minister has taken decisive action to halt construction. He emphasized that the project was not a government‑mandated initiative and that local leaders are now tasked with identifying a more appropriate site.

Background & Context

The proposal for a model market was part of a broader effort to stimulate economic activity in a district that lacks sufficient commercial infrastructure. Local authorities argued that the chosen parcel, situated near the school, was the only viable option given the scarcity of vacant land.

Critics highlighted the potential hazards of situating a bustling market next to an educational facility, including increased traffic, noise, and safety risks for children. The issue gained traction after a video circulated on social media, prompting calls for governmental oversight.

Government Response

Following the public outcry, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, was briefed through the regional coordinating council (RCC). According to Deputy Chief of Staff Dogbe, the minister instructed an immediate cessation of all construction activities.

Dogbe clarified that the decision to allocate the land for the market originated from community leaders rather than a top‑down government directive. He noted that the regional minister’s intervention reflects a broader policy of ensuring that development projects align with safety standards and community needs.

Community Impact and Next Steps

The suspension of the market construction has left the district without a dedicated commercial hub, a gap that local officials acknowledge. They have called on community representatives to propose an alternative site that satisfies both economic objectives and safety considerations.

Stakeholders are expected to convene within the coming weeks to assess available parcels, conduct feasibility studies, and engage with residents to mitigate future disputes. The collaborative approach aims to balance development ambitions with the welfare of schoolchildren.

Looking Ahead

The episode underscores the importance of transparent planning processes in rapidly developing regions. By involving multiple levels of government and local actors, authorities hope to prevent similar controversies and ensure that infrastructure projects serve the public interest.

Continued monitoring by the regional minister’s office will determine whether a suitable location can be secured and how swiftly the market can resume construction without compromising student safety.