New Kumasi Mayor Issues Ultimatum to Traders as KMA Set to Launch Major Decongestion Drive
Newly confirmed Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi has announced a firm and urgent directive for traders operating along pavements within the Central Business District and Central Market to vacate their spaces immediately. This move marks the start of an ambitious decongestion exercise aimed at restoring order in Ghana’s second-largest city.
Speaking shortly after his confirmation on Thursday, April 10, 2025, the new Mayor made it clear that one of his top priorities is tackling the long-standing issue of congestion in Kumasi. He assured the public that the upcoming campaign expected to commence next week will be executed through effective, non-military strategies that safeguard commercial activity while reclaiming public spaces for pedestrian use.
Mr. Ofori Agyemang Boadi noted that although the exercise would not involve military personnel it will be implemented with innovative and practical methods to ensure long-term results.
Kumasi should expect cooperation and discipline, he stated. There is a lot of indiscipline in our metropolis. In all humility I am going to ensure strict compliance with the Assembly’s by-laws. If you are selling on the pavement, adjust yourself.
He further warned traders operating in dangerous and unauthorized areas, such as in the middle of dual carriageways, to vacate immediately. From Wednesday, we will get on the street and make sure that we clear Kumasi from all the filth that we see, he emphasized.
Beyond decongestion, the Mayor also pledged to breathe new life into several stalled infrastructure projects including the Krofrom Market and the second phase of the Central Market redevelopment.
Touching on the Kejetia Phase Two project he expressed concern about the slow pace of work and hinted at seeking clarity from the Regional Minister. The contractors are on site but the energy we are expecting to see is not what we are seeing. I will get a briefing from him. I believe that by the end of President Mahama’s tenure the Kejetia market will be ready, he assured.
Sanitation also featured prominently in the Mayor’s address. He condemned the widespread disregard for cleanliness and hygiene in the city and promised a renewed focus on law enforcement. We will strictly enforce KMA by-laws, especially those related to sanitation, he added.
As Kumasi prepares for this major shake-up, residents and traders are being called upon to cooperate with city authorities to make the metropolis cleaner, safer and more orderly for all