By king amoah
Emerging reports from the Ashanti Regional capital in Kumasi, indicate a growing standoff between the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and local traders following a massive demolition exercise at the popular Abrepo Junction.
The exercise which took place on Thursday, October 8, 2026 has been marred by a serious allegations of bribery and extortions leveled
against the officials of the Assembly led by the
Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr. Richard Agyeman Ofori Boadi.
The atmosphere at Abrepo Junction was one of despair and chaos as a KMA Task Force backed by heavy machinery moved in to clear the area.
Many traders were seen wailing and lamenting the loss of their livelihoods, claiming that the action was carried out without sufficient notice.
The Bribery Allegations:
The core of the controversy lies in a claim made by the affected traders regarding a “time extension fee.”
According to the traders, while they were aware of an initial notice to vacate the premises, they were allegedly approached by officials and asked to pay GH₵ 200 each.
The traders claimed that this payments was meant to secure them additional time to pack their belongings and find alternative locations.
We were in the process of preparing to leave because we paid for more time,” one distraught trader remarked.
How can they take our GH₵ 200 for an extension and then show up unexpectedly with bulldozers to destroy our goods
The traders questioned the rationale behind the Assembly collecting fees for an extension only to proceed with a surprise” demolition before the supposed deadline had elapsed.
KMA Boss Hits Back:
In a swift reaction to the alleged scandal, the KMA Boss, Mr. Ofori Boadi, has categorically denied the allegations.
Speaking to the press shortly after the news was broken, the Mayor described the bribery claims as unfounded.
Mr. Ofori indicated that the allegations are a desperate attempt by the traders to tarnish the image of the Assembly because the demolition had impacted them heavily.
He maintained that the KMA had been more than fair, providing the traders with ample notice to relocate.
He said the exercise was necessary to restore order, Mr. Ofori stated stressing that the Assembly gave them enough time to pack off but due to culture of lawlessness, they refused to move hence the action.
These bribery allegations are simply not true; they are only saying this because they are unhappy with the enforcement of the law,the Mayor conclud.
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