A cluster of auto mechanic shops at Amakom, a suburb of Kumasi, faced a sudden and devastating demolition at dawn on Tuesday, 23rd September. The shops, known as Odiifoɔ Asare Fitamu, have been in existence for nearly 60 years, serving customers and training countless young people aspiring to become mechanics.
For decades, the mechanics operated on several acres of land without legal documentation, sustaining their families and livelihoods from the proceeds of their work. However, without prior notice, a group of police officers accompanied by unidentified thugs stormed the area with bulldozers and other heavy machinery, razing structures and displacing both workers and residents who lived on the land.
One resident, recounting the incident, said:
“I was in my room when I heard loud noises of destruction. I rushed out to see police officers and thugs forcing people out of their homes. They didn’t even care about a neighbor of mine with a five-month-old baby who is already struggling to make ends meet. This is unfair. Why didn’t they give us prior notice so we could relocate?”
The expressions of those affected reflected deep bitterness and disappointment, with many left uncertain about where they would lay their heads.
“At dawn, one of my trainees called to inform me that police officers and thugs were destroying our setups. But we actually have an unfinished court case with a woman of God over this land dispute. I have many children to feed and educate, and this workshop is my only source of income. We received no prior notice—it just happened suddenly. I honestly don’t know how to start over.”
A mechanic specializing in car spraying, who was also a victim, shared his frustration:
Another mechanic, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, explained:
“Around 4am, police officers and thugs approached us, demanding we evacuate the land immediately. Some of our leaders were arrested and taken away to an unknown location. They told us Otumfuo had sold the land. Even if that were true, why didn’t they notify us beforehand? They showed us no legal documents but insisted they were acting on orders from above, threatening to beat us if we resisted. We complied because the system does not favor the voiceless.”
The demolition did not only destroy properties but also left children, residents, traders, and workers traumatized and in despair.
A trader who has operated in the area for over 20 years also voiced her distress:
“I have been selling here since sachet water wasn’t even on the market. Now I don’t know how to earn money to support my child in university. Should I resort to a promiscuous life just to survive? I knew the landowner might one day reclaim it, but I never expected it to be in such a harsh and ruthless manner.”
The sudden demolition of Odiifoɔ Asare Fitamu has not only wiped away decades of work but also shattered the hopes of many who relied on the land for survival.
