Kumasi Mayor refutes claims of ordering release of seized excavators

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has denied media reports. These reports claimed that Mayor Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi ordered the release of seized excavators.

This denial follows a news story aired on Joy FM/TV. The report was also published on Myjoyonline.com on April 29, 2025. It alleged that the Mayor directed the release of machinery that had been impounded.

In a press statement, KMA’s Public Relations Unit called the media report “inaccurate and misleading.” They urged the public to disregard these false claims.

The KMA clarified that the excavators were used by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC). They were part of emergency response efforts after a fire at Adum Railway on March 21, 2025.

The machinery helped clear paths and break down walls for firefighters. After this, technical assessments checked the structural integrity of affected buildings. Reports recommended demolishing certain unsafe structures.

However, some traders began reconstructing these buildings without approval. To ensure public safety, the Mayor allowed limited use of some seized excavators for demolition only. This exercise stopped after concerns from the Forestry Commission arose.

The Mayor then ordered the return of the equipment. The statement emphasized that he did not direct or assign anyone to release any seized excavators in his jurisdiction.