The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyeman Boadi, has reaffirmed the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly’s (KMA) commitment to proceed with its planned decongestion exercise on May 1, 2025, insisting it is in the broader interest of residents in the metropolis.
Speaking in an interview on Kumasi-based Abusua FM, monitored by Kumasi Mail, the Mayor emphasized that the initiative is not politically motivated but aimed at ensuring orderliness and improving mobility within the Central Business District (CBD).
“The purpose of this decongestion is not to target anyone along political lines. It is a collective move to promote business and ensure the free flow of traffic in Greater Kumasi and Asanteman,” he stated.
Responding to claims that some traders were forced onto pavements and other unauthorized trading spaces due to the ongoing Phase II construction of the Kejetia Market (Central Market), Mr. Boadi dismissed the allegations as unfounded.
“There is no Central Market shop owner currently trading on the pavements. That claim is false. I challenge anyone who claims to be a shop owner trading on the pavement to show evidence—I will personally rent a shop for that person,” he asserted. “We have comprehensive data on all Central Market traders.”
The Mayor noted that the congestion in the city center, caused by a handful of unauthorized traders, continues to affect both pedestrians and vehicular movement.
He stressed that the upcoming operation is a necessary intervention to restore order and enhance public safety.
He also assured the Kejetia traders that by the close of the year the metering problem in the market will be resolve of each shop to have it own operational repaid meter.
The KMA’s decongestion exercises have in the past met resistance from affected traders.
However, city authorities insist the measures are crucial to maintaining Kumasi’s status as a growing commercial hub.
Source: www,kumasimail.com
