Omanghana
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has begun a major eviction exercise along the Ahodwo-Santasi road corridor, sparking strong reactions from vehicle dealers and roadside traders who say the move has disrupted their livelihoods.
The exercise is part of preparations to clear the area for a major dual-carriageway expansion project financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aimed at improving traffic flow and urban mobility in Kumasi.
Car Dealers Protest Sudden Displacement
Members of the Ashanti Car Dealers Association have expressed frustration over the forced removal, arguing that the exercise has left them without a suitable alternative location to operate.
According to the dealers, the clearance has created serious challenges, including:
No Alternative Space for Vehicle Display
The dealers say they have been unable to find a secure and properly prepared location to relocate their large vehicle inventories.
They argue that removing hundreds of vehicles without a ready replacement site has effectively disrupted their businesses and affected daily operations.
Risk of Financial Losses
Association members have also raised concerns about possible losses resulting from the sudden relocation of vehicles.
They say moving large numbers of cars under emergency conditions increases the risk of:
- Theft
- Damage to vehicles
- Additional transportation and relocation expenses
Calls for Relocation Support
The affected businesses have criticized the KMA for not establishing a permanent, serviced relocation area before beginning the eviction exercise.
They argue that a structured relocation plan would have reduced the impact on traders and allowed businesses to continue operating.
KMA Defends Eviction Exercise
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has defended the clearance exercise, insisting that affected businesses were given adequate notice before enforcement began.
City authorities stated that several evacuation notices were issued from late 2025, with final deadlines extended into 2026 to allow occupants additional time to comply.
No Compensation for Temporary Structures
The KMA also clarified that it would not be responsible for compensating businesses operating within the road buffer zone.
According to the assembly, the structures and trading activities along the affected areas are considered temporary, meaning individuals who invested in those spaces did so without permanent authorization.
Road Expansion Project Considered Critical
The assembly emphasized that the road expansion project serves a broader public interest and is necessary to address long-standing traffic challenges in Kumasi.
The dualization project is expected to:
- Reduce congestion along the corridor
- Improve travel times
- Enhance road safety
- Strengthen connectivity between the Asokwa Interchange and Santasi
The KMA maintains that the development will provide long-term benefits for residents and businesses by improving transportation infrastructure in one of Ghana’s busiest urban areas.
Traders Seek Fair Transition
While acknowledging the importance of infrastructure development, affected dealers and traders continue to call for a more coordinated relocation process that balances public projects with the protection of livelihoods.
The dispute highlights the ongoing challenge faced by Ghanaian cities in managing urban expansion while supporting informal businesses that depend on roadside commercial spaces.
Source: Omanghana
