KMA Clears the Air on Excavator Release: Mayor Did Not Authorize It

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has strongly refuted media reports claiming that the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, ordered the release of seized excavators.

In a press release dated April 29, 2025, and issued by the Assembly’s Public Relations Unit, the KMA described the circulating story aired on some media platforms as “inaccurate and misleading.”

The Assembly presented the following clarification:

1. “Ever since the fire outbreak occurred at Adum Railway in Kumasi on 21st March, 2025, we have relied on the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) to help the KMA with some of these seized excavators to manage the situation, from breaking walls to clearing paths for firefighters and other emergency services to reach their targets.”
2. “Subsequent to that, technical experts were employed to do structural integrity test to assess the various buildings and determine their suitability for reuse.”
3. “The outcome of the technical reports directed that the affected buildings be demolished.”
4. “However, while we were going through the process, the traders began reconstructing the affected buildings without recourse to the KMA.”
5. “In our bid to safeguard lives, the Honourable Mayor requested some of the seized excavators to be used solely for demolition purposes.”
6. “The CEO of the Forestry Commission complained about the incident, and the Honourable Mayor ordered the return of the seized equipment, halting the planned demolition exercise.”
7. “We therefore state that the Honourable Mayor, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi has not directed or assigned any official to release any seized excavators within his jurisdiction.”

The Assembly concluded the release with a strong appeal to the media and the public to disregard the misinformation and rely on official sources for accurate information.

…END…
Issued by the Public Relations Unit
Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly
To All Media Houses