The Obuasi West Municipal Assembly has commenced a major decongestion exercise within the Central Business District (CBD) of Obuasi, aimed at relocating traders and transport operators from the streets to restore order, ensure free movement, and improve sanitation in the municipality.
The exercise, which began earlier this week, saw teams from the Assembly move through the busiest parts of the city, directing traders who had been selling along the streets as well as transport operators loading goods and passengers at unauthorized points to designated locations.
According to the Assembly, the initiative forms part of efforts to ease both human and vehicular traffic in the CBD. Authorities believe that clearing traders and transport operators from the streets will not only reduce congestion but also bring discipline to commercial activities and minimize waste generation in the municipality.
Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Obuasi West, Faustilove Appiah Kannin, explained that the exercise was necessary to open up space for smooth movement within the city. She stressed that the decongestion drive was not meant to intimidate or punish traders but to ensure a safer and more orderly environment for business and transportation. “Our priority is to ensure that both pedestrians and vehicles can move freely without obstruction. The congestion within the Central Business District has been a major challenge, and this intervention is to make the city safer, cleaner, and more organized,” she said.
Reactions from sections of the public have so far been mixed, though largely supportive. Some traders and transport operators expressed relief, noting that the exercise will bring sanity to the CBD and make business operations smoother. A few admitted that though relocation may initially affect their sales, the long-term benefits of a decongested business hub will outweigh the inconveniences.
Pedestrians who spoke to the media welcomed the Assembly’s decision, pointing out that the streets had become unsafe and overcrowded due to traders and vehicles competing for space. They expressed optimism that the new directive would reduce traffic jams and ease human congestion within the city center.
The Assembly has assured stakeholders that alternative arrangements are being made to accommodate relocated traders and transport operators. Authorities say they will continue to engage market women, transport unions, and other groups to ensure a smooth transition while maintaining law and order in the CBD.
The exercise marks a significant step in the Assembly’s broader urban management agenda, which seeks to enhance mobility, improve sanitation, and give Obuasi a facelift worthy of its status as a major commercial and mining hub in the Ashanti Region.
