The Dunkwa Concerned Youth has begun what they describe as a peaceful protest against the leasing of the Catholic Boys Primary School Park within the town to a third party for commercial development.
The group opposes Dunkwahene’s plan to transform the park into a paved area with stores and other businesses, arguing that this would harm the social and environmental benefits the park provides to residents.
In a press statement, the group expressed their support for development but emphasized that the negative impacts of this project outweigh any potential benefits.
Key concerns they raised include the loss of a playground for students, increased noise and traffic from the construction of 12 stores, fire safety risks, and the destruction of one of the community’s few green spaces.
Speaking to ATL FM News, Kwabena Adepa, convener of the Dunkwa Concerned Youth group, highlighted the lack of communication from local authorities about the project.
“They did not inform residents about the project. We suddenly realized the park had been fenced off, which is not right. There should have been a consultation,” Adepa said.
He noted that the park is an important space for the town, hosting community events, including Nana Dunkwahene’s 30th-anniversary durbar.
Adepa also warned that if the demonstration fails to halt the construction, the group will seek legal action.
“If construction continues, we will petition the court for an injunction. The site where they plan to build will not benefit the community.
We already have a centre that could be renovated for social events instead of building new structures that will worsen traffic and block access to the town’s only effective fire hydrant,” he added.
The group urged Nananom and other stakeholders to reconsider the project, emphasizing the long-term negative effects on the community.
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Source: Benjamin Ekow Hutchful/ATLFMNEWS