The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyeman, has announced the commencement of a significant city-wide decongestion exercise today, Monday, May 5, 2025, aimed at clearing unauthorized structures and reclaiming public spaces within the metropolis.
Speaking to the media in Kumasi this morning, Mayor Agyeman stated that the operation will involve the demolition of structures erected without permission and the confiscation of goods and items displayed on pavements and other public walkways.
The decongestion exercise will initially focus on key areas known for heavy pedestrian and vehicular congestion, including the Kejetia Roundabout (also known as the Otumfuo Roundabout) and the Adehyeman area in the vicinity of the Kumasi Zoo.
“We will ensure that everyone occupying those spaces is removed. Any metallic object placed on the street will be cleared,” the Mayor asserted, emphasizing the Assembly’s firm stance on reclaiming these areas.
Mr. Agyeman further noted that the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has already issued prior warnings to individuals and businesses occupying these unauthorized spaces and that the Assembly will no longer tolerate the continued obstruction of public thoroughfares.
“I will not make any more announcements. Everyone knows we will not entertain them there,” he affirmed, indicating a decisive approach to enforcing the decongestion measures.
It will be recalled that upon assuming office, Mayor Agyeman had previously urged traders operating along pavements in Kumasi’s central business district to voluntarily vacate these areas or face potential sanctions, including the controversial threat of being lashed.
According to the Mayor, traditional methods of clearing pavements, such as the seizure of goods and arrests, have proven ineffective in achieving lasting decongestion, as traders persistently return to these unauthorized locations. He emphasized that this indiscipline significantly contributes to the city’s congestion problems and requires a more stringent approach.
In line with this, Mayor Agyeman has previously stated his intention to consider lashing as a deterrent for traders who continue to defy directives and sell on the pavements, signaling a strong commitment to restoring order and reducing congestion within Kumasi. Today’s exercise marks the beginning of this intensified effort.
