Kumasi’s central business district came to a standstill on Saturday, November 1, 2025, after Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi directed that all shops remain closed until 2 PM. The move is part of an aggressive push to force traders to take the city’s monthly cleanup exercise seriously.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has long struggled to get market operators and business owners to participate in the sanitation campaign, despite repeated notices and appeals. Officials believe many have intentionally ignored the exercise, leaving the burden of cleaning the city on the Assembly.
Frustrated by the lack of cooperation, the Mayor has now imposed strict enforcement, including shutting down businesses and arresting anyone who attempts to operate during the restricted hours.
The cleanup began at 6 AM, targeting major trading zones and transport corridors, such as:
- Zoo Roundabout through Pampaso to Otumfuo Roundabout
- Otumfuo Roundabout through Acheamfour Market
- MTN Roundabout to St. Louis College
- Otumfuo Roundabout to Dr. Mensah
- Boss FM through Central Market
- Asafo Interchange and Asafo Market
- Roman Hill Down through Abobo Station to Alabar
Traders who refuse to cooperate risk facing fines and additional sanctions once the exercise ends.
City authorities say the directive is necessary to restore public discipline, improve sanitation, and prevent the unhealthy conditions that often build up in crowded market areas. The Assembly maintains that a cleaner Kumasi depends on the involvement of everyone — not just city officers.
With security teams stationed across affected zones, the KMA hopes this tougher stance will compel traders and commercial operators to take civic responsibility more seriously as the city pushes toward a cleaner, healthier future.
