Demolition Exercise Backed by Documents, Not Personal Decision – Kumasi Mayor Fires Back at Critics

The Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, popularly known as King Zuba, has defended the ongoing demolition exercise from Patasi through Santasi Roundabout to the Asokwa Interchange.

He insisted that the exercise is guided by official documents and not his personal discretion.

Speaking in an interview with Kwame Tanko on the Ghana Se Sen Morning Show on Lawson TV/Radio on Monday, June 22, 2026, King Zuba stated that every action being undertaken forms part of a long-standing development blueprint for Greater Kumasi.

“All what I am doing is documented. I am not acting based on my own decision,” he stressed.

According to him, the documents clearly indicate those who initiated the various road projects in Kumasi and the timelines attached to them.

He disclosed that the Dakwadwom stretch of the Greater Kumasi road projects was initiated during the administration of the late former President John Evans Atta Mills.

“The plan in the document says the Greater Kumasi projects should be completed by 2038. The Dakwadwom stretch is supposed to be completed by 2028, although it may not be achieved within that period. If God grants the NDC another mandate, it could be completed by 2030,” he explained.

King Zuba also responded to criticisms from former Kumasi Mayor, Sam Pyne, over the demolition exercise.

“It should have been done by Sam Pyne, but he didn’t do it,” he fired back, admitting that carrying out demolitions is never an easy responsibility.

“Metirimu yɛ den,” he remarked, suggesting that leadership often requires difficult decisions.

He, however, maintained that he has exercised restraint throughout the process.

“I am one person who has been so lenient when it comes to demolition,” he said.

The KMA boss noted that the city must be prepared for future growth and development, stressing that infrastructure expansion would ultimately create employment opportunities for the youth.

“We have to prepare the city for growth and development and help our youth get employment,” he stated.

King Zuba further warned that traders and occupants operating along affected roadsides would not be allowed to remain indefinitely.

“There is no way by August 1 those on the roadside will still be there,” he cautioned.

He revealed that some areas notorious for robbery and prostitution were initially excluded from the demolition exercise but indicated that they would soon be targeted as part of broader efforts to enhance public safety.

“There are places known for robbery and prostitution that were not part of the demolition exercise. I will add them for safety and protection reasons,” he said.

“I have the responsibility to protect Kumasi.”

According to the Mayor, the contractor handling the Asokwa–Patasi Dual Carriageway Project has given the Assembly until the middle of July to clear the right of way for construction works to commence.

He said he had, however, set an even earlier deadline for himself.

“The contractor has given me up to the middle of July to finish the clearing for the road construction to start, but I have given myself by the end of this month,” he stated.

King Zuba also issued a strong warning to roadside car dealers to remove their vehicles before the demolition exercise reaches them.

“They should start driving their cars away. If the exercise gets there and the cars are still there, I will not be lenient,” he warned.

The Mayor argued that if he fails to act decisively to pave the way for the commencement of the project, the development agenda could suffer delays and the public would eventually accuse the NDC administration of failing to deliver within its four-year mandate.

“The project may delay if I don’t become wild and clear the area for the road project to start. People will criticize us for not doing anything during the four years of the NDC term,” he added.