Omanghana
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has demolished more than 500 unauthorized wooden structures at the Bayakasua slum, located behind the COCOBOD building near the Asafo Interchange, as part of a major operation to reclaim public spaces, improve urban safety, and enforce city regulations.
The exercise, led by Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, was carried out following concerns over illegal occupation, security threats, and the growing presence of criminal activities within the enclave.
Authorities said the operation forms part of a broader strategy to restore order in areas identified as hotspots for unlawful activities across the Kumasi metropolis.
Bayakasua Identified as Security Hotspot
According to KMA officials, the Bayakasua settlement had become a major security concern due to reports of criminal activities taking place within the area.
The enclave was reportedly associated with:
- Drug-related activities.
- The organization of criminal operations.
- Commercial sex activities involving minors.
- Other forms of unlawful occupation and social disorder.
The Assembly described the area as a location where criminal elements had taken advantage of unauthorized structures and poor regulation to carry out illegal activities.
Earlier Eviction Attempt Turned Violent
The demolition follows an earlier attempt by the KMA to clear the area on July 8, 2026, which reportedly ended in confrontation between squatters and the enforcement team.
During that operation, some occupants allegedly resisted the exercise and attacked the task force with stones and clubs, forcing authorities to withdraw and reassess their approach.
The KMA returned on Friday, July 17, 2026, with stronger security support, including personnel from the Ghana Police Service, the military, and Metro Guards, to ensure the demolition was carried out safely.
Security Incidents Triggered Action
Officials said recent security breaches in the area increased the urgency for intervention.
Among the incidents cited was the reported violent robbery of Patrick Yeboah, the Assembly Member for the area, who allegedly had his phone stolen within the settlement.
The Assembly also referenced a separate investigation involving a police inspector accused of operating an unauthorized brothel within the enclave, further raising concerns about activities taking place in the area.
Residents Displaced as Structures Flattened
Although the KMA maintained that residents had received several eviction notices before the exercise, the demolition left hundreds of occupants and informal traders displaced.
Following the clearance, many affected individuals were seen searching through the remains of demolished structures in an attempt to recover personal belongings and valuable items.
Some residents expressed concerns over the sudden loss of shelter and business spaces, while authorities maintained that the exercise was necessary to protect public safety and restore lawful land use.
Land Ownership Dispute May Follow
The demolition has also raised questions surrounding ownership and jurisdiction over the land on which the structures were built.
The KMA has announced plans to hold discussions in Accra with senior officials of the Ghana Railway Authority to examine issues relating to statutory boundaries, land ownership, and possible violations of approved land-use regulations.
The engagement is expected to clarify responsibilities and prevent future unauthorized settlements in areas reserved for public infrastructure.
KMA Plans Wider Demolition Campaign
MCE Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi confirmed that the Bayakasua operation is only part of a larger, phased enforcement campaign aimed at addressing illegal settlements and reclaiming public spaces across Kumasi.
The Assembly plans to extend similar demolition exercises to three additional illegally occupied areas within the metropolis in the coming weeks.
The KMA said the initiative is not only focused on removing unauthorized structures but also on improving urban planning, protecting residents, and creating safer communities throughout the city.
Authorities have urged residents and businesses occupying public lands without proper authorization to comply with city regulations to avoid future enforcement actions.
Source: Omanghana
