Kumasi decongestion has failed due to previous approach – Mayor

The CEO of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has acknowledged past failures in decongestion efforts. He blames these failures on poor implementation methods.

Efforts to clean up Kumasi and improve traffic flow have not worked. Traders still occupy areas meant for vehicles, causing ongoing congestion.

A recent fire in Adum PZ highlighted the dangers of this congestion. Firefighters struggled to access the market due to blocked roads.

There have also been fatal accidents at Adum, Kejetia, and Abrepo Junction. These incidents occur as traders use pavements and road shoulders for their stalls.

Illegal traders quickly reclaim cleared spaces after decongestion exercises. The mayor is now looking for new strategies to address this issue.

Currently, about 80% of cleared areas are occupied by vendors again. Traffic congestion is returning to levels seen before the operations began.

In an interview on May 19, Boadi expressed his concerns about previous efforts. He stated that deploying 300 police officers would be costly for the assembly.

After three months, funding would run out, leading to a return of traders. Many traders feel that decongestion efforts are punitive rather than helpful.

Ama Serwaa, a trader with 15 years of experience at Kejetia, voiced her frustration. She questioned where they should go since new markets lack customers.

The mayor aims for sustainable solutions by exploring alternatives. He plans to combine urban guards with national security operatives for better enforcement.

Boadi believes this approach will help improve traffic flow in busy areas. However, urban planners warn that without proper relocation plans, efforts will fail.

The KMA faces increasing pressure to find lasting solutions as the city grows.