The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West, Hon. Abubakar Sedik, has dismissed claims that an existing classroom block at Mankranso is to be demolished to pave the way for the construction of a 24-hour model market in the community.
According to the DCE, the claim, contained in a video circulating on social media by Baabi Dehyeɛ Kwaku, the Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ahafo Ano South West Constituency, is false, misleading and politically motivated.
Hon. Sedik said there was no plan whatsoever to demolish the classroom block to make way for the market project, stressing that the two facilities were not connected.
He described the attempt to create such an impression as unfortunate, particularly at a time when the Assembly was focused on implementing development projects aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of residents.
Classroom block unused since 2022
The DCE explained that the classroom block being referred to in the circulating video was constructed in 2022 but had remained unused since its completion.
He said although the construction of educational infrastructure was important, the decision to put up the particular facility at the time had failed to address some of the more pressing developmental needs of the people, given that the building had remained unutilised.
Hon. Sedik, however, stressed that the Assembly had no intention of destroying the facility.
“For the avoidance of doubt, no one is going to demolish the said school building to construct the 24-hour market,” he stated.
He said the market project was being undertaken independently and had no connection with the classroom block.
Market project
The DCE said the proposed 24-hour market was a major development initiative designed to create economic opportunities for residents while improving the environment within which traders conduct their businesses.
He explained that the project formed part of efforts to promote local economic activity and provide a more organised trading environment for residents of Mankranso and surrounding communities.
According to him, the facility, when completed, would contribute to the socio-economic development of the area by creating opportunities for traders, service providers and other businesses.
He therefore urged residents to support development initiatives that could improve economic activity within the district.
Rejects allegations
Hon. Sedik said the claims being circulated on social media could create unnecessary confusion among residents and potentially undermine public confidence in an important development project.
He consequently appealed to the public to disregard what he described as the misleading assertions contained in the video.
He said partisan political considerations should not be allowed to interfere with development projects intended to benefit the people.
“We must not allow partisan politics and misinformation to undermine developmental projects that are being undertaken in the interest of our people,” the DCE said.
Development focus
The DCE reiterated that his administration remained focused on development and improving living conditions in the Ahafo Ano South West District.
He said his priority was to support initiatives that could deliver tangible and lasting benefits to communities across the district.
Hon. Sedik maintained that the 24-hour market was part of that development agenda and would help strengthen economic activity in Mankranso when completed.
He said his administration would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to pursue projects capable of improving infrastructure, creating opportunities and enhancing the wellbeing of residents.
Call for responsible communication
The DCE also urged political actors and other stakeholders to exercise responsibility in their public communication, particularly on development projects.
He said public discourse on such projects should be based on facts rather than claims capable of generating unnecessary fear and confusion.
He maintained that the classroom block at Mankranso was not being targeted for demolition and that the construction of the 24-hour market should not be linked to the facility.
Hon. Sedik reaffirmed his commitment to the development of the district, declaring that his administration would remain focused on its development agenda.
“I stand for development. The work continues,” he stated.
