The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has cautioned the public, particularly owners of unauthorized structures around the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, not to pay any money to individuals claiming they can influence the upcoming demolition exercise.
The Assembly issued the warning as part of a final reminder to affected persons to remove all illegal structures located within the stadium enclave before the scheduled demolition exercise on Monday, April 6, 2026.
In a press statement released by the Public Relations Unit, management of the Assembly reiterated its firm commitment to sanitising the stadium environment by removing all undesirable and unauthorised structures in the area. The move, according to the Assembly, forms part of broader efforts to restore order and enhance the aesthetic value of the surroundings of the iconic sports facility.
The statement referenced an earlier press release issued on February 5, 2026, which announced an extension of the initial demolition deadline to provide occupants of the structures additional time to relocate and voluntarily remove their properties.
The extension followed appeals made during a meeting of the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC), where traditional and political leaders requested more time to enable affected traders and occupants to make the necessary arrangements ahead of the demolition exercise.
Among those who appealed for the extension were Nana Adu Mensah Asare and Nana Baffour Kofi Atobra, as well as the Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene. Their appeal was presented during the REGSEC meeting held on February 4, 2026, and was subsequently accepted by the Assembly as a gesture to allow affected persons adequate time to prepare for the exercise.
Despite the extension granted, the Assembly emphasised that the demolition exercise will proceed as scheduled and that the decision to sanitise the surroundings of the stadium remains non-negotiable.
KMA management therefore urged all individuals who have erected structures within the affected zone to voluntarily dismantle and remove them before the April 6 deadline to avoid inconvenience when the demolition operation begins.
The Assembly also addressed reports suggesting that certain individuals are allegedly collecting money from occupants of the structures under the pretext of delivering it to the Mayor in exchange for protection from the demolition exercise.
According to the statement, some persons have been demanding an amount of One Thousand Five Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH₵1,500) from affected individuals, claiming the money would be handed over to the Mayor to halt or influence the exercise.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, however, categorically denied any involvement in such activities and stressed that neither the Mayor nor the Assembly has authorised any individual or group to collect money on their behalf.
“The Assembly wishes to state without equivocation that no such money has been received and will not be entertained by the Mayor or the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly,” the statement emphasised.
The Assembly therefore urged affected persons and the general public to disregard such claims and to refrain from paying money to anyone making such demands, warning that such acts are fraudulent.
KMA further appealed to all affected persons to cooperate fully with authorities to ensure a peaceful and orderly exercise when the demolition exercise commences.
Management of the Assembly expressed confidence that with the cooperation of traders, residents and other stakeholders, the exercise would proceed smoothly and contribute to improving sanitation and preserving the integrity of the stadium environment.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly reaffirmed that the demolition forms part of ongoing efforts to maintain order, enhance sanitation and protect the structural and visual integrity of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium area, one of the most significant sporting and public landmarks in Kumasi.
