The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has denied media reports suggesting that the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, ordered the release of seized excavators.

The rebuttal comes in response to a news story aired on Joy FM/TV and published on Myjoyonline.com on April 29, 2025. The report alleged that the Mayor had directed the release of the machinery, which had been previously impounded.

In a press statement issued by KMA’s Public Relations Unit, the Assembly described the earlier media report as “inaccurate and misleading” and urged the public to disregard the false claims.

They clarified that the excavators in question were utilised by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) to manage emergency response efforts following the devastating fire at Adum Railway on March 21, 2025.

“The machinery was used to clear paths and break down walls to aid firefighters and emergency services,” the statement explained.

It added that subsequent to the emergency response, technical assessments were conducted to determine the structural integrity of affected buildings. Reports recommended the demolition of certain unsafe structures.

However, the KMA said some traders proceeded to reconstruct these buildings without official approval.

To ensure public safety, the Mayor authorized limited use of some of the seized excavators strictly for demolition purposes. The exercise was later halted after the Forestry Commission raised concerns, prompting the Mayor to order the return of the equipment.

“The Honourable Mayor has not directed or assigned any official to release any seized excavators within his jurisdiction,” the statement emphasised.