Ayawaso West Assembly cracks down on unauthorised market near Villagio

The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly has taken action against an unauthorized market that has sprung up near the Tetteh Quashie Roundabout, near Villagio. This move follows the controversial demolition of the Tetteh Quarshie Art Market in March 2026, which displaced traders and artisans and sparked widespread criticism. Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Yussif Jajah, called for an investigation into the demolition, emphasizing the importance of protecting affected traders' valuables.

Since the demolition, traders have faced financial hardships, with some losing over GH¢30,000 and others accumulating debts. The Assembly has since relocated traders to a temporary site near the former market, but some have reported poor patronage and challenges during the rainy season. The Assembly is currently working on relief packages for affected traders, although they acknowledge that this assistance will not fully compensate for their losses.

The emergence of the new unauthorized market at Tetteh Quashie has reignited concerns about informal trading and the occupation of public spaces within the municipality. The Assembly's latest intervention aims to enforce planning regulations and prevent unauthorized developments. In October 2025, the Assembly arrested individuals attempting to interfere with a demolition exercise near Bawaleshie traffic light.

The Assembly has also issued notices to owners of unapproved developments, requiring them to regularize their building permits or face demolition and prosecution.