The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has to clarify the scope of its post-demolition rebuilding plan at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.

The authorities say the re-emergence of the structures forms part of a planned redevelopment initiative aimed at creating a more organised and orderly trading environment.

The clarification by Kumasi Mayor, Richard Kwasi Ofori Boadi Agyemang, comes amid growing confusion and allegations on social media that the Mayor has a personal financial interest in the prefabricated containers being installed around the facility.

Addressing a special meeting of the Assembly at the Prempeh Assembly Hall, the Mayor described the claims as “false and malicious.”

“Let me state clearly that I have no involvement in the sale, production, or supply of these containers. These allegations are false and they have caused me pain. I will not do anything to jeopardize the trust the people have in me,” he said.

On July 31, a joint security taskforce led by the KMA demolished unauthorized structures around the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. At the time, authorities said the exercise was part of broader efforts to restore order, decongest the area, and improve sanitation around the national sports facility.

However, barely four days after the demolition, construction workers were sighted laying foundations for new stalls in sections that had just been cleared.

The rapid return of structures triggered questions from the public and traders about the motive behind the exercise.

Some of the affected traders who have since re-erected their containers said the new design aligns with directives issued by the Mayor prior to the demolition. They commended the Assembly for allowing them to return under a more organized arrangement.

So far, 14 traders have complied and re-erected their containers using the approved design.

But not all traders are satisfied. Some food vendors have raised concerns about the new structures, citing potential fire and security risks.

Dissatisfied traders are alleging that the Mayor is benefiting financially from the prefabricated containers. Others have also accused him of overpricing the structures and claimed the containers do not meet the standards he set.

Meanwhile, the Kumasi Mayor revealed that it was the traders who approached him with their own contractor, appealing to be allowed to set up the new prefabricated containers.

“The KMA has not benefited from the new structures. The traders themselves were asked to put up these standard structures in compliance with our standard design that will give a beautiful facelift to the stadium area and Kumasi at large. It was the traders who hired their own contractor to work on the project. I was not involved in the process or the payment arrangements,” he stated.

He also dismissed claims and speculations that the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly’s (KMA) decision to remove traders and occupants is aimed at replacing them with new occupants affiliated with the government and the ruling party.

He expressed concern over why he is being accused amid the development.

Mr Boadi said that he only intervened to facilitate discussions with the contractor after concerns were raised about the initial cost, leading to a bulk discount for traders.

He explained that the contract for the project was not awarded by the KMA.

In the interest of transparency, accountability, and to avoid any conflict of interest, the Mayor stressed that the Assembly will not accommodate any additional traders beyond the 14 who were affected and who have complied with the directive.

"If they are accusing me of something I know nothing about, then let me be clear: only the 14 traders who have complied with the Assembly’s directive to acquire the approved prefabricated stores will be permitted to return to the designated area. No additional trader will be allowed to occupy the area, regardless of whether they are ready to follow the directive or not," he said.