The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has rolled out an uncompromising plan to restore discipline and enhance the image of Ghana’s second-largest city. This initiative targets two major challenges: stray cattle and unregulated roadside trading.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, April 14, the mayor announced a stringent directive aimed at curbing the menace of stray cattle within the Kumasi Metropolis. Starting May 1, any unattended cattle found roaming the city will be seized, slaughtered, and donated to the Kumasi Central Prison to serve as food for inmates.
“There is no room for negotiation. If your cattle are found straying in Kumasi from May 1, we will slaughter them and donate the meat to the Kumasi Central Prison. This directive particularly targets the route from the airport to the Manhyia Palace,” Mr. Boadi stated emphatically.
The mayor expressed deep frustration over the growing nuisance caused by stray cattle, especially along critical routes like the stretch from Kumasi Airport to Manhyia Palace. He lamented the unsightly scene of animal droppings defacing key parts of the city, describing it as a serious embarrassment to Kumasi’s reputation.
“I can not allow visitors to land in Kumasi, only to be greeted by the stench and filth from cattle droppings. It’s unacceptable for a city of our stature,” he stressed.
This bold measure forms part of a broader initiative by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to address the long-standing issues of stray animals and ensure public order.
Roadside Trading Targeted in Decongestion Exercise
In addition to tackling stray cattle, the mayor issued a stern ultimatum to traders operating illegally on pavements and roadsides within the Central Business District (CBD).
Effective Wednesday, April 16, the KMA will commence a large-scale decongestion exercise to reclaim pedestrian walkways and improve traffic flow. Traders who fail to comply with the directive to vacate these areas risk severe penalties, including confiscation of their goods.
“We are reclaiming the walkways for pedestrians. If you refuse to move, your goods will be seized, and you may face additional consequences,” Mr. Boadi warned.
The mayor also hinted at possible physical enforcement of the directive, raising eyebrows among some observers.
These measures reflect the KMA’s commitment to transforming Kumasi into a clean, orderly, and visitor-friendly city. However, they have sparked mixed reactions, with some residents applauding the initiative and others expressing concerns about the potential harshness of the enforcement process.
As the May 1 deadline approaches, all eyes are on Kumasi to see how the directives will be implemented and whether they will bring the desired changes to the city.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
