The Asokore-Mampong Municipal Assembly has begun demolishing a notorious slum at New Zongo, also known as Sabon Zongo, in Asawase.
The operation started on Thursday, 30 July 2026, in broad daylight and was carried out under the supervision of heavily armed military and police personnel.
Security officers blocked key routes into the community to prevent residents and onlookers from disrupting the exercise. Assembly officials brought in demolition equipment and closely monitored the area as structures were brought down.
Several wooden buildings believed to have been used as meeting points for unlawful and criminal activity were demolished.
Sabon Zongo has long been associated with a range of alleged criminal and social problems, including the sale of narcotic drugs and its reported use as a hideout by armed robbers and car snatchers.
The area has also been linked to the burning of tyres. The resulting thick smoke was said to have reduced visibility on nearby streets and created health risks for residents and traders operating in the vicinity.
The Ghana News Agency recalled that tensions reportedly escalated after the killing of 27-year-old Yusuf Zakari in the area.
Accounts of the incident indicated that Zakari was allegedly attacked and killed by a gang of wee smokers operating in and around the slum. Eyewitnesses said the assault took place close to locations where the suspected group usually gathered, causing immediate fear and concern among residents.
Zakari was also reportedly accused of stealing GHS 4,800.00 belonging to one of the gang members.
Neighbours described such allegations as a common cause of violence in the area, and the claim is believed to have led to the confrontation that resulted in Zakari’s death.
The Assembly and security agencies said the demolition was needed to prevent further criminal activity and restore calm in the Sabon Zongo community.
Some residents have welcomed the action, while others have expressed mixed views and called for longer-term measures to address the problems affecting the area.
Those measures include more proactive policing, employment support and youth engagement programmes. Residents said such interventions would be needed to reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring in neighbouring communities.
Assembly authorities told the Ghana News Agency that they would ensure all structures at the site were pulled down in the interests of public safety and security.
The demolition was continuing as officials worked to clear the area of structures they considered a threat to residents and the wider community.
The operation follows growing concern over criminal activity associated with the slum and the reported impact of violence, drug peddling, tyre burning and other social problems on people living and working nearby.
The Asokore-Mampong Municipal Assembly and the security agencies have indicated that restoring order to Sabon Zongo is the central aim of the exercise.
Ghana News Agency contributed to this report.
