The Manhyia Palace has stepped in to address the worsening congestion and sanitation crisis in Kumasi, signalling clear dissatisfaction with the performance of the Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyemang-Boadi amid mounting concerns over the city’s deteriorating state.
Despite repeated warnings from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), traders continue to occupy pavements and major roads, causing traffic bottlenecks and creating safety risks for pedestrians and motorists. Traditional authorities have vowed decisive action to restore order.
Joint operation
Asantehemaa-Sompahene, Nana Kwaku Afriyie, told the media on Tuesday (7 April) that starting 26 April, a joint operation with the Ghana Police Service and a special task force will remove traders who refuse to comply with regulations. Those who defy the directive will face strict sanctions, including fines.
He expressed concern over key ceremonial areas, noting, “Take a look at the Adum area, where the King performs rituals during ceremonies. The place is filthy and has been overtaken by traders, which is very worrying.”
He further urged city authorities to act swiftly, emphasizing, “Authorities must arrest and prosecute offenders before the deadline to deter others from flouting the rules. Those who continue to disregard the regulations will not be spared—they will be required to pacify the gods with a ram.”
Golden Stool celebration
The intensified advocacy comes as the Asantehene celebrates his enstoolment on the Golden Stool this month, a moment that Nana Kwaku Afriyie described as “an opportunity to restore discipline and cleanliness in Kumasi, in line with the dignity of our city and our traditions.”
Mayor’s competence under scrutiny
The intervention coincides with President John Dramani Mahama’s plans to reshuffle his appointees, with the Kumasi Mayor’s competence reportedly under scrutiny.
Nana Kwaku Afriyie said, “The Palace expects all city leaders to rise to the occasion. Persistent congestion and filth cannot be tolerated under our watch.”
Residents and traditional authorities alike are watching closely as the move underscores growing impatience with the state of Kumasi’s roads and sanitation and the urgent need for effective urban management.
“This is a step in the right direction, and I support the palace in this regard. It appears enough has not been done to keep Kumasi clean, and I hope things will change”, a resident told our news team.
Background
Hon. Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi was confirmed as the new mayor of Kumasi after receiving overwhelming support from members of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
Fifty-five out of 56 members present at a Special Meeting held at the Miklin Hotel on 10 April 2025 voted in favor of his confirmation.
The nominee had been appointed by the President the previous Friday and was endorsed by 98.2% of the total votes cast in an election supervised by the Electoral Commission.
The mayor had promised, among other things, to decongest the city, address sanitation challenges, and restore the regional capital’s past glory.
