THE PERENNIAL congestion quandary at the Central Business District of Kumasi, capital of the Ashanti Region, will be a thing of the past, starting from today.
This follows the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly’s (KMA) decision to properly relocate the hawkers and traders from the roads in the city center.
The assembly’s laudable exercise would also see lorry stations that are operating right in the middle of the roads, moved to proper places.
The approved places where the hawkers and the transport unions are expected to be moved to, include the Afia Kobi Market also known as Abinkyi.
A chunk of the affected hawkers and transport unions would also be relocated to the refurbished Race Course, which now looks very beautiful.
Arrangement
The KMA, led by Osei Assibey Antwi, has instituted effective strategy that would ensure a peaceful relocation of the affected hawkers.
The KMA had held series of meetings with the leadership of all the stakeholders including the traders and transport unions, ahead of the exercise.
During all the previous meetings, the traders and transport unions assured KMA of their support for the exercise.
The KMA has during the few days also demarcated the Race Course in a manner that would make it easier for the traders to be properly positioned.
Reason for Relocation
When the relocation is completed, the city would be free of congestion as vehicles and people can move easily without any challenges.
Osei Assibey, the Kumasi Mayor, has consistently stated that the relocation is to avert a looming disaster in the city center.
According to him, there would be loss of lives should a stampede occur in the city center, especially as the Christmas festivity approaches.
The Kumasi Mayor stressed that it is important that the streets of the city are freed so shoppers could have their way during the yuletide and also make it possible for contractors working on the Kejetia Terminal to get access and fix the adjoining roads.
He said Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, the late Asantehemaa’s funeral would draw huge crowd to Kumasi so the streets should be free.
The KMA Boss appealed to the public to support today’s exercise so that the congestion in Kumasi would be history in the coming days.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi