The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly’s (KMA) long-standing struggle to decongest the Central Business District (CBD) of Kumasi appears increasingly futile, due apparently to perceived corruption by its task force.
During a recent visit to Roman Hill, The Chronicle witnessed at first-hand a disturbing incident involving a member of the KMA Taskforce.
While enforcing anti-hawking regulations along the shoulders of the busy Roman Hill Road, a city guard approached traders and casually demanded food items, including mangoes, in exchange for being allowed to remain in the restricted zone.
In plain sight, the officer, who had just leapt from a white Toyota pick-up with registration number GN 2856-16 asked a woman trader to give him mangoes.
The woman complied. As the officer returned to the vehicle, another trader called out and beckoned him over. He was dressed in a black hoodie with Olympic logo and inscriptions of “USA” and “London” across the chest. The gifts were placed in a black-and-white striped bag.
The incident raises serious concerns about integrity and abuse of power by the Taskforce, whose members are mandated to enforce by-laws and clear unauthorised street trading.
KMA’s Reaction
When contacted for comment, the Public Relations Officer of the KMA, Miss Henrietta Afia Aboagye confirmed that the Taskforce personnel are permitted to seize items belonging to traders operating unlawfully. She, however, stated categorically that they are not allowed to accept gifts or items in return.
Asked whether the city guards were equipped with body cameras to monitor their activities, Miss Aboagye responded in the negative, admitting that the assembly has no such surveillance systems in place.
As Kumasi continues to battle with street congestion, allegations of petty corruption, like the solicitation of food from traders, cast a shadow over the city’s enforcement credibility, weakening public confidence and hampering genuine decongestion efforts.
