By Daniel Bampoe
The Suhum Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region has issued an eviction notice to all occupants of temporary structures located at the Old Station, ordering them to vacate the area within seven working days to make way for a major infrastructure project spearheaded by the Ghana Highways Authority.
The directive, which forms part of a broader urban development initiative, was communicated through a formal notice from the Assembly’s Building Inspectorate Unit.
The project will include the construction of drainage systems and the installation of pavement blocks—part of efforts to modernize Suhum’s transport infrastructure and improve flood resilience.
According to the Assembly, the targeted site, known locally as “Old Station,” has long been occupied by informal traders, makeshift structures, and kiosks, many of which are not legally recognized.
The area has also been identified as a flood-prone zone due to poor drainage, making it a priority for redevelopment.
Occupants are being asked to remove their belongings and dismantle all temporary structures within the one-week deadline.
The notice explicitly warns that failure to comply will result in forced removal and potential loss of property, as the Assembly will not be liable for any belongings left behind.
“This is a necessary step to pave way for critical infrastructure improvements,” a source within the Assembly said.
“We understand this may cause disruption to livelihoods, but the long-term benefits of this project—such as reduced flooding, safer roads, and a more organized municipal layout—are for the common good.”
While the notice does not mention any planned compensation or relocation support, affected occupants have begun expressing concern about the short timeframe and the lack of alternative spaces for relocation.
Some residents say they have operated small businesses from the Old Station area for over a decade.
This eviction marks a continuation of the Suhum Municipal Assembly’s recent push to enforce zoning regulations and reclaim public land for planned development.
In past years, similar exercises have led to clashes between city authorities and informal settlers, prompting calls for more inclusive urban planning that balances modernization with social protection.
However, as the deadline looms, municipal officials are urging occupants to comply peacefully and reach out to the Assembly for clarification or support.
