The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has announced plans to provide temporary trading spaces for businesses along the Santasi–Ahodwo corridor as government prepares to begin a major road dualisation project in the area.
The €17 million project, funded by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will deliver a modern dual carriageway from Santasi to the Ahodwo Roundabout, with an interchange linking to Asokwa. The project is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete.
Metro Chief Executive, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, said the Assembly has issued notices to traders and other temporary occupants to vacate the stretch by the end of October 2025. He warned that illegal structures will be demolished from November 1.
“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 cautioned in an interview with Luv FM.
Despite this warning, Mr. Boadi assured that the Assembly is mindful of the impact on livelihoods and will relocate affected traders.
“We will provide businesses and individuals operating along the shoulders of the road a temporary place to continue their activities while construction goes on,” he added.
Alternative Routes During Construction
To ease traffic congestion during the project, the Assembly has mapped out alternative access routes, including:
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A link from the junction after the Total Service Station at Santasi through Fante New Bar to Adiembra and Nhyiaeso West, connecting to Edwenase, Adum, and Kejetia.
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Another stretch from Fante New Bar through the Apostolic College of Education enclave to Sugar Hill, linking the Public Services Union to the Adiaba road.
Mr. Boadi noted that most of these roads are in good condition, though a few bridges will require reinforcement to handle the expected increase in traffic.
Tackling Sanitation Concerns
Sanitation remains a major concern along the corridor, especially the heaps of refuse near the Georgia Hotel stretch in the Asokwa Municipality. The KMA has begun discussions with the Asokwa Municipal Assembly to deploy excavators to clear the area.
As part of the project, several roadside garages in the enclave will also be relocated.
The Mayor, however, expressed concern about indiscriminate waste disposal, citing instances where heavy waste such as refrigerators and furniture are dumped into drains, worsening flooding in Kumasi.
“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 stressed.
Commitment to Development
The KMA says it is working closely with the Asokwa Assembly and other stakeholders to address sanitation issues, maintain traffic flow, and protect livelihoods during the project’s execution.
Authorities note that the Santasi–Ahodwo dual carriageway and interchange project forms part of government’s broader vision to reduce congestion, enhance Kumasi’s beauty, and improve road infrastructure in the Ashanti regional capital.
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