Mr. Francis Asenso-Boakye, the Member of Parliament for Bantama and former Minister for Roads and Highways andhas stated that the transformation agenda for Kumasi requires deliberate strategic and urgent action.
According to him, residents in Kumasi, especially stakeholders, including Members of Parliament are not bound by party colours, but by a shared conviction that Kumasi deserves better and that its transformation requires deliberate, strategic and urgent action.
Acknowledging the contributions of past MPs, the Chairman of Kumasi Bloc MPs, emphasised that today’s leaders must build on their foundation to drive the city forward.
Speaking at Kumasi Bloc Public Dialogue, a high-profile and strategic forum aimed at rigorously assessing the 2025 Budget and examining its alignment with the developmental aspirations of Kumasi, the Bantama MP outlined critical issues confronting Kumasi, including poor land use planning, rising crime and unemployment, inefficient waste management and frequent market fires.
Members of Parliament from Kumasi have formed a united front, the Kumasi Bloc, to champion the city’s development agenda beyond partisan lines.
The dialogue also brings together members of parliament, government officials, business leaders, market associations, civil society organisations and financial institutions, traditional and religious leaders to discuss key issues. These key issues include funding of tertiary education, research and innovation, youth employment and economic opportunities for graduates.
The engagement seeks to gather diverse perspectives from stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, policymakers, business leaders, market associations and civil society groups to critically assess the impact of the 2025 Budget, on the development of Kumasi and the Ashanti Region in general.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye underscored that for the first time, MPs from Kumasi have set aside political affiliations to work together for the city’s progress.
He noted that beyond infrastructure, the Kumasi Dialogue focused on economic opportunities, job creation and access to quality healthcare and education.
He disclosed that just last Friday, fire at the Kumasi Central Market atAdum devastated properties and livelihoods and expressed worry over how inadequate planning and weak enforcements continue to hinder emergency response efforts, causing preventable losses.
He stressed that such tragedies are deeply regrettable and avoidable and that the stakeholders must rethink how our urban spaces are managed, enforce land use regulations and invest in resilient infrastructures.
He expressed the urgent need for the completion of the Accra-Kumasi Highway, which began under President John Agyekum Kufuor, but stalled by successive administrations, before being revived under President Nana Akufo-Addo, who initiated four new by-passes now nearing completion.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye appealed to the current administration for the completion of the highway, which he said, was not a luxury but a necessity to ease congestion, boost trade and attract investment, and urged the government to prioritise it in the 2025 budget.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye emphasized that the city’s development should not be hindered by partisan interests, but the growth that requires strong partnerships built on trust, accountability and a shared vision.
He reiterated that the Kumasi Dialogue is not just a talk shop, but a call to action, and assured the people of Kumasi that their voices would be amplified in Parliament, pushing for a fair share of national development.
“We will ensure Kumasi receives the roads, drainage, efficient transport systems, jobs and healthcare it deserves,” he stressed.
He stated that the maiden dialogue was the beginning of a unified advocacy to make that happen, and urged all stakeholders to play an active role in Kumasi’s transformation.
The Bantama Legislator recommended that the Kumasi Dialogue become an annual forum, serving as a platform for key stakeholders to review the city’s development trajectory and push for sustainable solutions.
