The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West, Hon. Abubakar Sedik has strongly refuted claims circulating on social media suggesting that a classroom block at Mankranso is to be demolished to make way for the construction of a 24-hour model market.
The claims were contained in a video posted by Baabi Dehyeɛ Kwaku, the Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ahafo Ano South West Constituency, which alleged that the Assembly intends to pull down an existing school facility for the market project.
In a statement issued to debunk the allegations, the DCE described the claims as false, misleading and politically motivated propaganda calculated to incite public disaffection against a major development initiative.
“I wish to state clearly that the claims made in the video are false, misleading and politically motivated. The attempt to create the impression that an existing Classroom Block is going to be demolished to pave way for the construction of the 24-hour model market is simply untrue,” the DCE stated.
The Facility Has Remained Unused Since 2022
Clarifying the facts, the DCE explained that the classroom block being referred to in the video was constructed in 2022 but has since remained unused and unutilised.
According to him, the construction of that particular facility at the time was a misplaced priority, considering the pressing developmental needs of the people of Mankranso at that period.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Classroom Block being referred to was constructed in 2022 and has since remained unused. The construction of the facility at the time was a misplaced priority, particularly considering the pressing developmental needs of the people and the fact that the facility has remained unutilised,” he added.
He stressed categorically that no school building will be demolished for the market project, noting that the two projects are completely unrelated.
“Let me state categorically that no one is going to demolish the said school building to construct the 24-hour market. The market project is being undertaken and has nothing to do with the demolition of that school facility,” the statement emphasized.
24-Hour Market To Boost Local Economy
The DCE highlighted that the 24-hour model market at Mankranso is a flagship development initiative aimed at transforming the local economy, improving trading conditions for market women and traders, and accelerating the socio-economic development of Mankranso and the entire Ahafo Ano South West District.
He therefore urged the general public, especially residents of Mankranso, to disregard the video and treat its content with the contempt it deserves.
“I therefore urge the general public to disregard the claims contained in the said video and treat them as nothing more than malicious, misleading and politically motivated propaganda,” he said.
“We must not allow partisan politics and misinformation to undermine developmental projects that are being undertaken in the interest of our people,” he cautioned.
The DCE reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing development that brings meaningful and lasting benefits to the people, stressing that his focus as DCE remains firmly on improving lives and not engaging in partisan distortions.
“As District Chief Executive, my focus remains firmly on development and improving the lives of the people of Ahafo Ano South West. I will continue to support projects that bring meaningful and lasting benefits to our communities,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the Assembly has directed that all media interviews and enquiries regarding the matter be channeled through Hon. Paul Kwesi Amegboe, Presiding Member of the Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly.
