Residents in parts of Greater Kumasi say the worsening street-lighting situation in their neighbourhoods has become a major public-safety concern, with many warning that the darkness is fuelling crime and crippling evening business activity ahead of the Christmas season.

The concerns come from several communities within the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) — including Santasi, Patasi, Suntreso, and Abrepo Junction — where major roads and inner streets remain unlit after sunset. Residents say the pitch-dark conditions have created a perfect environment for criminals while making it risky for drivers and pedestrians to move around at night.

Nana Yaw, a taxi driver who operates along the Abrepo Junction–Santasi corridor, said parts of Suntreso have effectively become a “haven for robbers”. He noted that criminals “take advantage of the darkness” to snatch phones and attack unsuspecting commuters. He added that poor visibility on the roads increases the likelihood of nighttime crashes.

The poor lighting is also affecting local businesses. A car tyre technician, Alali, lamented that the malfunctioning streetlights have remained unattended for months, forcing him to close early out of fear of attacks. A seamstress at Patasi, who preferred anonymity, said the festive season is usually her busiest period, but she now shuts her shop by 5 p.m. because of frequent armed-robbery incidents in the area.

Responding to the growing concerns, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has acknowledged the challenge. The Assembly’s Public Relations Officer, Henrietta Afia Konadu, stated that the KMA is already implementing interventions to restore lighting in the affected areas.

“We are aware of the challenges and are taking steps to resolve them,” she assured, adding that the Ministry of Energy has commenced the Regional Capital Rehabilitation street-lighting project nationwide. In the Ashanti Regional capital, installation works are currently ongoing at Japan Motors, Asafo Labour Junction, the Airport Roundabout, and other key locations.

She explained that three contractors have been engaged to speed up the replacement of faulty streetlights in the Greater Kumasi area. In addition, the KMA has started a solar-powered “wet” lighting project aimed at improving reliability and reducing theft of lighting cables.

Under this initiative, the Assembly plans to replace 170 electronic streetlights with 47 new poles already installed in communities such as Ahodwo, Danyame, and other neighbourhoods.

Ms Konadu encouraged residents to promptly report malfunctioning or vandalised lights to help the Assembly stay on schedule with the rehabilitation works.