The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has extended the deadline for the implementation of its planned decongestion exercise at the Alabar Trading Area and other affected parts of the metropolis.
The decision follows an engagement between the management of the Assembly and the leadership of the Alabar Motorcycle Association, led by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Sheriff Ennin.
The engagement was aimed at finding a workable solution to the congestion situation in the Alabar area while giving traders and operators additional time to reorganise their activities and comply with measures intended to restore order and improve the general environment.
The initial decongestion exercise was scheduled to begin on August 17, 2026, and was expected to cover Alabar, Mbrom, Aboabo Station and Ashtown.
According to a press release issued by the KMA and dated August 14, 2026, the extension followed an appeal by the association to the Mayor of Kumasi for more time to put their activities in order and address some of the issues contributing to congestion in the area.
Commitment to support decongestion
During the engagement, representatives of the traders and motorcycle operators assured the Mayor and the management of the Assembly of their commitment to working with the KMA to restore order and improve conditions in the affected areas.
As part of the measures agreed upon, the traders and operators are expected to discontinue the washing of motorcycles on the streets, a practice which the Assembly considers to be contributing to the congestion and disorder in the area.
They also agreed to stop the erection of canopies in the middle of the road, which has affected the free movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
The measures form part of broader efforts by the KMA to reclaim public spaces, improve traffic flow and ensure that commercial activities are conducted in an orderly manner.
Traders seek demarcation of trading spaces
The traders, while appealing for additional time, also called on the Assembly to assist in clearly demarcating the frontage of their shops.
They said clearly defined trading spaces would help traders understand the limits of their operations and ensure that commercial activities remained within designated areas.
The request is expected to facilitate cooperation between the Assembly and traders by providing clearer boundaries for legitimate trading activities while preventing encroachment on roads, walkways and other public spaces.
Balancing enforcement and stakeholder cooperation.
The extension of the deadline highlights the KMA’s approach of combining enforcement with stakeholder engagement in addressing congestion within the metropolis.
The Assembly’s engagement with the Alabar Motorcycle Association is also expected to provide an opportunity for traders and other operators to make the necessary adjustments before the exercise is implemented.
The Alabar area, which serves as an important commercial and transportation hub in Kumasi, has over time faced challenges associated with congestion, roadside trading and the use of public spaces for activities not intended for those areas.
The KMA’s latest decision is therefore expected to give the affected traders and operators time to reorganise their activities and work with the Assembly towards a more orderly trading environment.
The Assembly has not stated in the release the specific new date for the commencement of the decongestion exercise.
It has, however, made it clear that the exercise remains part of efforts to restore order and improve the use of public spaces in Alabar and other affected areas within the Kumasi metropolis.
The development is expected to be closely watched by residents, traders, transport operators and other stakeholders as the KMA seeks to strike a balance between maintaining a vibrant commercial environment and ensuring public safety, accessibility and effective traffic management.
