Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to Continue Demolition Exercise at Asafo Interchange

Key Takeaways

• The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) will continue its demolition exercise at the Asafo Interchange and surrounding areas on July 17.
• The operation aims to restore order, reclaim public spaces, and improve public safety.
• The KMA has warned occupants of unauthorized structures to vacate the premises by July 17 or risk demolition.
• The Assembly will not tolerate the use of public spaces for illegal activities, including prostitution, drug sales, and other crimes.

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has announced plans to continue its demolition exercise at the Asafo Interchange and surrounding areas, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve public safety and reclaim public spaces. The operation, scheduled to take place on July 17, will target all persons occupying spaces beneath the Asafo Interchange, behind the COCOBOD building, and within the Takoradi Flour Mill enclave.

The KMA has cited the area as a hotspot for illegal activities, including prostitution, the sale of hard drugs, and other criminal acts. In a statement issued on Tuesday, July 14, the Assembly warned anyone using the spaces for such purposes to vacate immediately, stressing that it will not tolerate the continued use of public spaces for illegal activities.

Background & Context

The Asafo Interchange and surrounding areas have been a concern for the KMA for several years, with reports of illegal activities and unauthorized occupation of public spaces. In recent months, the situation has deteriorated, with incidents of violence and intimidation against law enforcement officials and city guards.

During a recent inspection and enforcement operation, KMA officers, city guards, and other security personnel came under attack while carrying out their lawful duties. The Assembly has vowed to take decisive action to restore order and ensure the safety of residents.

Key Findings

The KMA has directed all persons who have erected temporary or unauthorized structures within the affected areas to vacate the premises on or before July 17. The Assembly has also called on any individual or entity claiming lawful authorization or permit to occupy the area to submit relevant documentation to the Works Department of KMA before the close of work on Tuesday, July 14.

Any structure for which valid authorization is not received and verified by Wednesday, July 15, 2026, will be considered unauthorized and will be demolished during the exercise. The Assembly has urged all affected persons to comply with the directive to avoid the inconvenience of forceful eviction without recourse to compensation for lost items or structures.

Broader Implications

The demolition exercise at the Asafo Interchange and surrounding areas has significant implications for the city of Kumasi and the country as a whole. The operation is part of the KMA's continuous efforts to decongest the city and ensure that public lands and infrastructure are used for their intended purposes.

The success of the operation will depend on the cooperation of the public, particularly those who have erected unauthorized structures within the affected areas. The Assembly has called on all residents to support the efforts to restore order and ensure the safety of the community.

Looking Ahead

The KMA has assured the public that it will continue to work tirelessly to maintain law and order in the city. The Assembly has also pledged to provide support to affected persons and ensure that they are compensated for any losses incurred during the demolition exercise.

The success of the operation will be a testament to the KMA's commitment to improving public safety and reclaiming public spaces. The Assembly has called on all residents to cooperate and support the efforts to restore order and ensure the safety of the community.