The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyeman, has declared that the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly will initiate a comprehensive decongestion operation across the city today, Monday, May 5, 2025.
This initiative will entail the demolition of unauthorized structures and the confiscation of goods displayed on sidewalks.
In a statement to the press in Kumasi, he highlighted that the operation will commence in critical areas such as the Kejetia Roundabout, also referred to as the Otumfuo Roundabout, and the Adehyeman vicinity near the Kumasi Zoo. ‘We will ensure the removal of all individuals occupying these areas.
Any metallic items placed on the streets will be removed,’ he asserted. Mr. Agyeman further noted that prior notifications have been issued, and the Assembly will no longer permit unauthorized use of public spaces.
‘I will not issue further announcements. It is well known that we will not allow them to remain there,’ he confirmed.
It is worth mentioning that upon taking office, the Kumasi Mayor urged vendors operating on sidewalks in the central business district to vacate or face penalties, including corporal punishment.
The mayor indicated that traditional methods of clearing vendors from the sidewalks—such as seizing their goods and making arrests—have proven ineffective, as vendors persist in returning.
He remarked that such acts of indiscipline have greatly contributed to the city’s congestion and must be addressed. Consequently, the new mayor has warned of corporal punishment for vendors who continue to sell on the sidewalks as a deterrent to others.
