Kumasi Mayor to begin city-wide decongestion exercise today

The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyeman, has made an announcement.

Today, Monday, May 5, 2025, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly will start a decongestion exercise. This operation will involve demolishing unauthorized structures. It will also include seizing goods displayed on pavements.

The mayor spoke to journalists in Kumasi about the plan. He said the exercise will focus on key areas like Kejetia Roundabout and Adehyeman near the Kumasi Zoo. “We will ensure that everyone occupying those spaces is removed,” he stated.

He emphasized that any metallic objects on the street will be cleared. Mr. Agyeman mentioned that prior announcements have been made about this issue. The Assembly will no longer tolerate unauthorized occupation of public spaces.

“I will not make any more announcements,” he affirmed. “Everyone knows we will not entertain them there.”

When he took office, the mayor urged traders to vacate pavements in the central business district. He warned them they could face sanctions, including being lashed.

The mayor noted that traditional methods of clearing traders have failed. Confiscating goods and making arrests have not stopped traders from returning.

He pointed out that this indiscipline contributes to congestion in the city and must be addressed. As a result, he has threatened to lash traders who continue selling on pavements as a deterrent for others.