KMA Refutes Excavator Release Claims, Says Machines Were Used for Emergency Response Only

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has issued a strong rebuttal to circulating media reports alleging that the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, ordered the release of seized excavators. The Assembly has described the report as “false, inaccurate, and misleading.”

In a press statement released on Tuesday, the KMA explained that the excavators were not released for any private activity, but were rather deployed temporarily to assist in managing the aftermath of the devastating fire incident at Adum Railway on March 21, 2025.

“In the wake of the fire outbreak, the KMA sought support from the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) to utilize some seized excavators for emergency response activities, including breaking through walls and clearing access routes to allow firefighters and emergency responders to do their work,” the statement said.

Following the incident, technical experts were engaged to assess the structural integrity of the affected buildings. The assessment concluded that the buildings posed safety hazards and needed to be demolished.

While preparing for the demolition, the Assembly said it was alarmed to discover that some affected traders had already begun reconstruction without any official clearance or approval.

“To safeguard lives and ensure safety compliance, the Honourable Mayor requested that the seized excavators be used specifically for demolition purposes,” the KMA clarified.

However, the Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission later raised concerns about the use of the seized machinery. In response, the Mayor halted the exercise and directed that all the excavators be returned immediately.

The KMA emphasized that at no point did the Mayor instruct or authorize any person or institution to release seized excavators for unauthorized purposes.

“The public is advised to treat such misleading reports with the contempt they deserve. The KMA remains committed to transparency, public safety, and adherence to due process,” the statement concluded.

The release was issued by the Public Relations Unit of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and copied to all media houses.