The Youth of Barekese in the Atwima Nwabiagya North District have threatened to block the District Assembly from using local land as a central refuse dump if a promised 24-hour market project is relocated to Asuofua.
The ultimatum comes amid reports that the District Assembly plans to break ground on the market construction in Asuofua tomorrow, Tuesday, 2nd June 2026, despite prior assurances that the facility would be sited in Barekese.
Accusations of Broken Promises
Speaking at a press conference, Ernest Kwadwo Adusei, leader of the Barekese Youth Association, expressed profound disappointment over the sudden shift in policy.
According to the youth group, District Chief Executive (DCE) Hon Mba Zakaria explicitly assured residents in December last year that the government intended to construct the market in Barekese to stimulate the local economy.
”If they think Barekese does not deserve a 24-hour market, then we equally do not deserve to host the district’s refuse dump,” Adusei stated, highlighting the community’s frustration with what they view as unfair treatment.
Officials Silent on Petitions
The youth association also questioned the ongoing silence of key stakeholders regarding the dispute.
He noted that they had previously petitioned the Ashanti regional Minister, regional executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the DCE over the matter, but have yet to receive an official response.
He warned that if the groundbreaking ceremony proceeds in Asuofua without addressing their grievances, access to the dump site will be revoked immediately, potentially triggering a waste management crisis across the Atwima Nwabiagya North District.