Three members of a Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) taskforce, including a military officer, were injured on Wednesday afternoon after squatters at the Asafo overpass resisted the demolition of unauthorised structures behind the COCOBOD building in Kumasi.

The operation saw the taskforce, backed by police and military personnel, move in to demolish the shacks and wooden kiosks.

According to the Assembly, the structures were illegally erected and obstructing the free flow of the Subin River, which has contributed to perennial flooding in parts of the metropolis.

Tensions escalated when occupants of the structures attempted to prevent officials from carrying out the exercise.

When the taskforce began pulling down the structures, some residents started throwing stones, sticks, and other objects at the team.

The attack resulted in injuries to three taskforce members, including a military officer.

The situation grew tense as members of the taskforce were forced to retreat temporarily to regroup and avoid further injury. This came after residents continued hurling stones and objects at them, even after a warning shot was fired by one of the military officers on the team.

In the chaos, two of the taskforce pickups and the excavator being used for the demolition were vandalised, with windscreens shattered and tyres deflated.

The affected traders in the area were seen salvaging their wares from the debris as bulldozers moved in to clear the area.

The occupants argued that they had not been served prior notice and that the demolition would adversely affect their livelihoods.

Speaking to JoyNews after the exercise was suspended, Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi said the Ashanti Regional Police Command had received a report on the incident and would conduct investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Providing an update on the condition of the injured personnel, the MCE said the police had issued them with medical forms to seek treatment at the hospital. He confirmed that all three were in stable condition.

Mr. Ofori-Agyemang Boadi stressed that despite the incident, the operation would resume to ensure sanity was restored in the area.

"We will mobilise and form a stronger team and go back to continue the demolition exercise and arrest the perpetrators," he said.

He added that while the exercise was aimed at preventing flooding, he also noted that the area had become a hub for many illegal activities.

“There are so many illegal activities going on there, including prostitution, drug abuse, and other vices by some youth at the place. We cannot allow this to continue. This place has also become a security threat,” the Mayor stated.