The newly confirmed Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Richard Ofori Agyeman, has issued a stern warning to livestock owners within the metropolis, mandating them to confine their animals and prevent them from straying onto public spaces, effective May 1, 2025. This directive forms a crucial part of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly’s (KMA) comprehensive strategy to decongest the city and address pressing public health and sanitation concerns. The Mayor emphasized that stray animals contribute significantly to the city’s challenges, posing risks of disease transmission, traffic accidents, and widespread unsanitary conditions due to animal droppings littering the streets. Furthermore, these roaming animals often damage public and private lawns, impacting the city’s aesthetics and potentially sparking conflicts between livestock owners and residents. Any stray animals apprehended after the May 1 deadline will be confiscated by the KMA and utilized as feed for prison inmates, a measure intended to underscore the seriousness of the directive and deter livestock owners from neglecting their responsibilities.
Hon. Ofori Agyeman, who received overwhelming confirmation from the assembly on April 10 following his nomination by President John Mahama, articulated this decisive policy during his inaugural media engagement on Monday. This public announcement served as his first official address to the city’s residents since assuming office, setting a clear tone for his administration’s commitment to addressing long-standing issues plaguing Kumasi. The Mayor’s warning to livestock owners represents a significant step toward achieving the KMA’s broader objective of restoring order and cleanliness to the city’s streets and public spaces. By holding livestock owners accountable for the actions of their animals, the KMA aims to mitigate the negative impacts of stray animals and improve the overall quality of life for Kumasi’s residents.
Beyond the issue of stray animals, Mayor Ofori Agyeman also outlined additional measures designed to further decongest the city and enhance its cleanliness. A key component of this strategy includes a ban on trading activities on road medians, which will take effect immediately following the Easter celebrations. This prohibition targets the proliferation of informal trading activities that have encroached upon these vital traffic arteries, contributing to congestion and hindering pedestrian movement. The Mayor stressed that the KMA will actively enforce this ban, arresting and prosecuting any individuals who disregard the warning. Confiscation of goods will also be implemented as a deterrent to ensure compliance with the new regulations. These combined measures aim to reclaim public spaces and restore order to the city’s streetscape.
The Mayor’s comprehensive plan to address Kumasi’s decongestion challenges underscores a broader commitment to improving the city’s overall sanitation and public health conditions. The accumulation of filth and waste within the metropolis has become a pressing concern for residents, and the KMA acknowledges the urgent need for decisive action. By targeting both stray animals and informal trading on road medians, the Mayor aims to address two major contributing factors to the city’s current state. The strict enforcement of these new regulations, coupled with forthcoming announcements regarding further decongestion measures, signals a proactive approach by the KMA to tackle these complex challenges effectively.
The impending ban on road median trading, in conjunction with the stringent measures against stray animals, marks a significant shift in the KMA’s approach to urban management. This proactive stance reflects a determination to address the root causes of Kumasi’s decongestion and sanitation problems, rather than simply managing the symptoms. By prioritizing these issues, Mayor Ofori Agyeman aims to create a cleaner, safer, and more orderly environment for all residents. The anticipated announcement of additional decongestion measures will further solidify the KMA’s commitment to tackling this complex challenge and realizing a long-term vision for a more vibrant and livable Kumasi.
Ultimately, the Mayor’s pronouncements represent a call to collective responsibility, urging all residents to contribute to the city’s revitalization. By complying with the new regulations and embracing a shared sense of civic duty, the people of Kumasi can play a crucial role in transforming their city into a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous environment for all. The success of these initiatives hinges on the active participation and cooperation of the community, working in tandem with the KMA to achieve a common goal of a revitalized and thriving Kumasi. The Mayor’s firm stance and proactive approach signal a new era for the city, one characterized by a commitment to effective urban management and a shared vision for a brighter future.
