newly confirmed Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Richmond Ofori Agyeman Boadi, popularly known as King Zuba, has announced a decisive plan to decongest the Central Business District (CBD) of Kumasi, starting immediately.
Speaking during an interaction with the media, King Zuba emphasized that illegal street vending, especially on pavements and unauthorized locations, will no longer be tolerated. He called on traders and commuters to voluntarily vacate the streets or face enforcement beginning Wednesday.
“If you are selling on the pavement, adjust yourself. If you are trading in the middle of any thoroughfare into the Central Business District, please take steps to get off the street,” he warned.
King Zuba underscored his commitment to ensuring that Kumasi becomes a well-organized, modern city. He acknowledged that past decongestion efforts had failed due to short-term planning and the lack of sustainable solutions, but pledged that under his leadership, there would be lasting change.
“This is not about NDC or NPP. It’s about transforming our city. I believe I have the overwhelming support of Assembly Members and the public to get this done,” he said.
He revealed that the Assembly would soon roll out a comprehensive decongestion exercise backed by a budget approved in October last year.
Additionally, he disclosed that plans were underway to construct new market spaces and relocate affected traders.
King Zuba also hinted at upcoming meetings with Assembly Members to finalize operational strategies and ensure broad-based support for the initiative.
“I’ve already had discussions with the Assembly Members. There’s more I’d like to do, but I want the work to speak for itself,” he noted.
Addressing concerns about potential military involvement in enforcement, King Zuba made it clear that he preferred more sustainable, community-based strategies.
“I don’t believe in bringing in the military. It’s expensive and only works for a short time. We need to find more ingenious, lasting ways to decongest the city,” he added.
He assured the public that within two weeks, residents would begin to feel the impact of the new measures, expressing confidence that the public will support his vision.
The decongestion drive is part of broader efforts to modernize Kumasi, improve traffic flow, and restore discipline in the city’s commercial zones.
Source : www.kumasimail.com
