The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) says it will provide temporary space for traders and businesses along the Santasi–Ahodwo corridor as the government prepares to commence a road dualisation project in the enclave.

The 17-million-euro road dualisation project is funded by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The project, which is expected to be completed within 18 to 24 months, will include the construction of a modern dual carriageway from Santasi to the Ahodwo roundabout, with an interchange linking to Asokwa.

Metro chief executive, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, disclosed that the Assembly has served notice to traders and temporary occupants along the stretch to vacate by the end of October 2025, stressing that illegal structures will not be spared.

“We cannot wait for squatters and those with illegal structures along the way of construction. We will destroy anything in our way by 1st November,” the Mayor warned the occupants in an interview on Luv FM.

But Mr. Boadi assured that the Assembly is mindful of the impact on livelihoods and will relocate affected traders.

“We will give businesses and people operating on the shoulders of the road a temporary place to do business while the construction goes on,” he added.

Alternative roads

Beyond relocation, the Mayor explained that several alternative access routes have been mapped out to ease movement during the period of construction.

These include links from the junction after the Total Service Station at Santasi through Fante New Bar to Adiembra and Nhyiaeso West, which connect to Edwenase, Adum and Kejetia.

Another route stretches from the Fante New Bar area through the Apostolic College of Education enclave to Sugar Hill, linking the Public Services Union and the Adiaba road.

According to him, most of these routes are in good condition, with some few bridges along them requiring reinforcement to accommodate increased traffic volumes once the project begins.

Sanitation issues

Sanitation challenges along the corridor, particularly the heaps of refuse near the Georgia Hotel stretch, in the Asokwa municipality continue to remain a major concern to the assembly.

The Mayor revealed that discussions have begun with the Asokwa Municipal Assembly to deploy excavators to clear the area.

He added that many roadside garages in the enclave will be relocated as part of the project.

Mr. Agyemang Boadi, however, lamented the recurring problem of indiscriminate waste disposal, citing instances where refrigerators, furniture and other heavy waste items are dumped in drains.

He stressed that such behavior exacerbates the flooding situation in the metropolis, forcing the Assembly to divert resources meant for critical projects like street lighting to tackle the emergency sanitation issues.

“We cannot continue to choke our drains and later blame city authorities. It is our own behavior that worsens the situation. Citizens must also be responsible because, at the end of the day, it affects all of us,” he warned.

The KMA says it is committed to working with the Asokwa Assembly and other stakeholders to address sanitation issues, ensure smooth traffic flow, and protect livelihoods while the Santasi
－Ahodwo dual carriageway and interchange project takes shape.

The project, authorities say, forms part of the government's vision to ease congestion, beautify Kumasi, and improve road infrastructure in the Ashanti regional capital.