The Mayor of Kumasi, Hon Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has commended the ongoing road and drainage development works within the Manhyia North Sub-Metro, describing the initiative as a bold step toward modernizing infrastructure and improving the quality of life for residents.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the ongoing projects at Duase New Site on Tuesday, the Mayor noted that the interventions are part of a broader vision by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to address long-standing transportation and sanitation challenges across rapidly expanding residential communities.
According to the Mayor, the projects covering road construction and the installation of modern drainage systems are expected to transform the Duase enclave and its surrounding neighborhoods, many of which have struggled with poor road conditions for years.
“For a long time, residents in these communities have endured dusty roads during the dry season and waterlogged streets during the rainy periods,” Hon. Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi stated. “The Assembly is determined to change that narrative by investing in durable road networks that will serve the growing population and improve mobility within the metropolis.”
The Duase New Site area, a fast-developing middle-class residential hub, has been identified as a priority zone under the Assembly’s infrastructure improvement agenda.
The Mayor explained that the decision to focus on the area reflects the need to support homeowners, professionals, and investors who have established residences in the locality but have not had access to matching public infrastructure.
He emphasized that the works go beyond the construction of asphalt roads, highlighting the integration of a comprehensive drainage system designed to ensure long-term durability of the roads.
Engineers overseeing the project revealed that the drainage works are particularly crucial along the route leading toward Buoban, where poor stormwater management in the past has contributed to the rapid deterioration of road surfaces.
“Constructing the drainage alongside the road is a strategic engineering decision,” the Mayor explained. “Without proper drainage, any road constructed in this environment would quickly deteriorate due to the heavy tropical rains experienced in the Ashanti Region.”
The Mayor further stressed that the provision of modern road networks is not merely about convenience but about restoring dignity and enhancing the living standards of residents within the metropolis.
“From Kenyase through the expanding residential corridors leading to Asokore Mampong, we are working to create a seamless and reliable transport network that will stimulate economic activity and improve property values,” he said.
Hon. Boadi indicated that the project is also expected to have significant socio-economic benefits for the local population. Improved road access will reduce vehicle maintenance costs for motorists, ease traffic congestion, and create better connectivity between residential communities and commercial centers within the metropolis.
He added that the Assembly’s development strategy is centered on ensuring that infrastructure development keeps pace with the rapid expansion of housing estates across Kumasi.
Residents who witnessed the inspection tour expressed excitement about the progress of the project. Many praised the Assembly for prioritizing drainage construction as the first phase of the work, describing it as a sign that authorities are committed to building long-lasting infrastructure.
“For many years, this area felt neglected,” a resident of Duase New Site remarked. “Seeing the drainage system being constructed first gives us hope that the road will stand the test of time.”
Heavy-duty equipment including tractors, graders, and excavators are currently active on site as contractors work steadily to complete the project.
The Mayor assured residents that the Assembly will continue to monitor the progress of the works to ensure that they meet the required engineering standards.
“As Kumasi continues to grow, infrastructure must grow with it,” he emphasized. “Our goal is to build a city where every community old or new has access to quality roads, effective drainage, and the basic amenities required for a modern urban life.”
The Manhyia North Sub-Metro’s ongoing road and drainage interventions are therefore being widely viewed as a benchmark initiative one that demonstrates how targeted infrastructure investment can reshape communities and support sustainable urban growth within the Garden City.
