The demolition of structures at the Tema Newtown fish processing enclave has entered a second day, with affected fishmongers and residents calling on authorities to provide support after losing their sources of income.

The exercise, which forms part of a sanitation enforcement campaign by the Tema East Sub-Metro, was launched to address persistent environmental concerns, including fish being processed close to refuse dumps and widespread open defecation along the shoreline.

Some of those affected say the operation has left them stranded and uncertain about their future.

Speaking to Class News on Wednesday, July 29, a resident of Tema Newtown originally from Winneba, said the demolition had destroyed the only means of livelihood for his family.

He explained that he had assisted his mother, a fish processor at the site, since his school days and feared they might now be forced to relocate to their hometown.

residents appealed to the authorities to extend support to those displaced by the exercise, arguing that poor waste management, rather than the traders, was largely responsible for the sanitation challenges.

According to him, refuse containers at the site are often left overflowing for long periods, leaving residents with limited options for disposing of waste.

Another affected trader, criticised the exercise, claiming many occupants had no prior warning before the structures were pulled down.

She said several residents were away when the demolition began and appealed unsuccessfully for more time to remove their belongings.

she added that the exercise had compounded the hardships facing many families who were still recovering from the recent floods, leaving them without shelter or a place to conduct their businesses.

The demolition operation commenced on Tuesday, July 28, as part of efforts to improve sanitation conditions at the coastal fish processing site. The exercise also resulted in the arrest of several people alleged to have engaged in open defecation.

Officials of the Tema East Sub-Metro said the action became necessary after inspections revealed fish was being dried near refuse dumps and areas used for open defecation, creating serious public health concerns.

The assembly maintains that the exercise is part of a broader initiative to restore environmental cleanliness and provide a safer and healthier environment for fish processing activities.

The operation, however, was met with resistance from some fishmongers, who confronted officials and appealed for additional time to relocate their fish and salvage their property before the demolition.