A joint security task force led by the KMA demolished unauthorised structures around the Baba Yara Sports Stadium as part of efforts to restore order and improve sanitation around the national sports facility.

But four days after the exercise, JoyNews has sighted the return of new container structures.

Construction workers have begun laying foundations for new stalls in sections that were recently cleared.

Some affected traders who have re-erected their containers said the move aligns with directives from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly following the recent demolition exercise.

They commended the Kumasi Mayor and Assembly Members for authorizing them to redesign their container structures to conform with the urban beautification drive.

“Prior to the demolition, the Mayor issued a notice on how he wanted our containers to be designed to enhance the aesthetics of the area. However, some of us failed to comply with his directives. After the demolition, we came together and engaged a contractor to construct new containers that meet the Mayor’s standards,” Osei Lucy, a trader, explained.

"We are very grateful to the Mayor for allowing us to remain here. After our shops were demolished, we were concerned about our livelihoods, but he has given us another opportunity, and we are very happy. These uniform containers will beautify the area. Our previous containers were disorganized," said another trader, Afia Frimponmaa.

So far, 14 traders have re-erected their containers using the new design. They said the redesign has received positive feedback from the public.

Meanwhile, some food vendors who were affected by the demolition exercise have raised concerns over the new container design, saying it could negatively impact their businesses.

The vendors cited security and safety risks. They alleged that the containers are constructed with highly flammable materials, which they believe could easily trigger fire outbreaks.

Given the nature of their work, which involves cooking with gas and fire, they described the use of such materials as dangerous.

The vendors also expressed worry about the security features of the containers. According to them, the locks fitted on the structures are weak and could easily be forced open by thieves, putting their goods and equipment at risk.

“We are appealing to the authorities to reconsider some of these concerns before we fully move in. We want structures that will protect both our lives and our investments,” one of the vendors said.

However, the contractor for the project, Engineer Obeng Asamoah Dubofo, has dismissed the claims.

Addressing the concerns about materials, he said the containers were not made with highly flammable materials and that they meet the required safety and building standards approved by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.

Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has confirmed that it authorized traders to reconstruct their containers to match the new uniform design.

Public Relations Officer for KMA, Henrietta Afia Aboagye, says the re-emergence of the structures forms part of a planned redevelopment initiative aimed at creating a more organised and orderly trading environment.