By: Evans Osei-Bonsu
The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has announced that the next phase of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly’s (KMA) decongestion exercise will commence at Alabar on Monday, August 17, 2026, urging residents and occupants of unauthorized structures in the area to take the necessary steps ahead of the operation.
The Mayor made the announcement during an interview with Kojo Sebor on Pure FM’s Pure Morning Drive programme on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
According to him, the Assembly remains resolute in its commitment to restoring order, improving sanitation, enhancing public safety and enforcing planning regulations throughout the Ashanti Regional capital.
“They should be prepared. We are coming to Alabar on August 17. People have been calling on me to go to Alabar, and I know why they are saying that. But those comments do not deter me, neither do they determine my planning and execution agenda,” the Mayor stated.
He stressed that the Assembly’s decisions are guided by a carefully structured urban renewal programme rather than public pressure and political considerations.
“My objective is simple- to develop Kumasi into a modern city worthy of its name and status. Every action we are taking is aimed at ensuring that Kumasi becomes a clean, orderly and properly planned city for everyone,” he added.
Mr. Ofori Agyemang Boadi explained that Alabar extended to Ashtown and the Kumasi K.O area, have been long associated with congested settlements, makeshift structures and widespread planning infractions.
It has been identified as the next major target of the Assembly’s ongoing decongestion campaign.
The Mayor advised all persons occupying unauthorized structures within the enclave to cooperate with city authorities before the exercise begins.
The announcement follows the Assembly’s recent enforcement operation around the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, where structures deemed to have breached planning regulations were demolished as part of efforts to reclaim public spaces with 14-new standard structures installed in the decongested stead.
The exercise generated mixed reactions, with many residents praising the Mayor’s resolve while others questioned whether similar action would be taken in other parts of the city.
Following the stadium operation, social media was awash with calls from activists and residents urging the Mayor to extend the exercise to Alabar, an area widely regarded as one of Kumasi’s most ‘notorious’ and congested settlements, characterized by makeshift structures, poor sanitation and numerous planning violations. Many argued that doing so would demonstrate that the decongestion exercise is intended to promote the city’s development rather than target specific groups and serve political interests.
Responding to those sentiments, the Mayor maintained that while he was aware of the public calls, the Assembly’s operational decisions are based on its own strategic plans and long-term vision for Kumasi.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has in recent months intensified efforts to enforce planning regulations, remove encroachments on public spaces and improve environmental sanitation as part of a broader agenda to transform Kumasi into a cleaner, safer and more organised city.
Source: Purefmonlinegh.com || Evans Osei-Bonsu || 2026
