Residents of the Mamobi West Electoral Area in the Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly say they are living in fear and uncertainty following plans by the assembly to evict them from a community many have occupied for more than 50 years.

The concerns follow comments by the Municipal Chief Executive in an interview with the Daily Graphic, in which he said the assembly intends to begin the eviction in August to pave the way for the construction of a modern 24-hour market complex.

For many residents, the planned exercise threatens not only their homes but also their livelihoods and the community they have known for decades.

The proposed eviction has been a longstanding issue, with previous attempts to relocate residents facing opposition from the affected community. Residents say they support development but believe it should not come at the expense of their homes and livelihoods.

Many of the affected families say they have lived in the area for more than five decades, where they have raised their children and established businesses that sustain them.

Some residents also recalled an earlier demolition exercise under the previous administration, when parts of the community were cleared for the construction of the Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly offices. They fear a similar situation is about to unfold.

Residents have also raised concerns about the proposed relocation site in the Shai-Osudoku District, describing it as largely undeveloped and lacking basic amenities, including water, electricity, schools, healthcare facilities and accessible roads.

According to them, relocating to the area would make it difficult to rebuild their lives and continue their economic activities.

The residents have petitioned the relevant authorities, appealing for intervention and what they describe as a more humane solution.

However, they say the Municipal Assembly remains determined to proceed with the planned eviction, leaving thousands of residents uncertain about their future.