DCE Faces Backlash Over Alleged School Demolition

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West in the Ashanti Region, Hon. Abubakar Sedik, has come under pressure following the circulation of a viral video in which the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Officer for the constituency, Baabi Dehyee Kwaku, alleges that a classroom block at Mankranso is to be demolished to pave the way for a 24-hour market project.

In the video, Mr. Kwaku is seen appealing to traditional leaders, NPP members and other stakeholders in the district to intervene and prevent the alleged demolition of the school facility.

He expressed concern over the development, claiming that the current government had an “unenviable record” of demolishing projects initiated and constructed by the previous NPP administration to make way for new projects, including the proposed 24-hour market.

Mr. Kwaku therefore called on stakeholders to act swiftly to save the classroom block from being demolished.

The allegation has generated discussions among residents and social media users, with questions being raised about the fate of the facility and the proposed market project.

However, the DCE has rejected the allegation, describing it as false, misleading and politically motivated propaganda.

Mr. Sedik stated categorically that no school building would be demolished for the construction of the 24-hour market.

“Let me state categorically that no one is going to demolish the said school building to construct the 24-hour market,” he said.

According to the DCE, the classroom block in question was constructed in 2022 but has remained unused since its completion.

He described the construction of the facility at the time as a misplaced priority, considering other pressing developmental needs confronting the district.

Mr. Sedik explained that the proposed 24-hour market was a major economic initiative aimed at boosting commercial activities, creating employment opportunities and promoting socio-economic development in Mankranso and the Ahafo Ano South West District.

He urged the public not to be misled by what he described as partisan misinformation, stressing that the assembly remained focused on development and improving the living conditions of residents.

The controversy is expected to continue attracting attention as residents await further clarity on the proposed market project and the future of the unused classroom block.