The newly confirmed Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has issued a firm directive for all traders operating on pavements in the Central Business District and Central Market areas to vacate immediately, ahead of a citywide decongestion campaign set to begin next week.
The move is part of a broader strategy by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to restore order and improve pedestrian and vehicular movement across the city.
Following his confirmation on Thursday, April 10, the Mayor, who received strong backing from Assembly Members, reiterated his commitment to addressing the longstanding congestion challenges in Kumasi.
Announcing the upcoming operation, Mr. Agyemang Boadi clarified that although military personnel would not be deployed, the exercise would utilize innovative and strategic approaches that would allow businesses to continue while reclaiming public walkways and roads.
He also shared plans to push forward key infrastructure projects, particularly the stalled Krofrom Market and the ongoing second phase of the Central Market redevelopment.
“For Kejetia Phase Two, the contractors are on site, but the momentum isn’t what we expected. I’ll seek an update from the Regional Minister and work to ensure the project is completed by the end of President Mahama’s term,” he said.
On sanitation, the Mayor bemoaned the widespread indiscipline within the city and vowed to strictly enforce KMA by-laws.
“There’s too much disorder in Kumasi. Starting Wednesday, we’ll be on the ground to clean up the streets. If you’re selling on pavements or in the middle of a dual carriageway, relocate immediately,” he warned.
He assured traders that the decongestion exercise would not displace them entirely but would rather focus on reorganizing trading activities within Adum in a more orderly manner.
“Everyone wants to trade at Adum, and that’s fine. We’ll find creative ways to keep you there without compromising the city’s cleanliness and safety,” he concluded.
