Three officers of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) sustained injuries on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, following clashes during a demolition exercise at Asafo in Kumasi, behind the COCOBOD building.
The operation was undertaken to remove structures obstructing drains and waterways as part of efforts to desilt drainage systems and reduce the risk of flooding ahead of the rainy season.
According to the Assembly, residents occupying makeshift structures at the site resisted the exercise and allegedly attacked members of the task force and city guards with stones and other objects.
The confrontation also resulted in damage to Assembly property, including a pick-up vehicle and an excavator used in the operation.
The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, condemned the attacks and insisted that the violence would not derail the Assembly’s efforts to prevent flooding in the city.
“There is no way I will sit down for illegality to overcome me,” he stated, assuring residents that the damaged equipment would be repaired and returned to service.
Mr. Boadi further disclosed that the injured officers would receive medical attention after official reports were lodged with the police.
Meanwhile, some affected residents maintained that they had acquired the land legally and had made payments for their plots.
They criticised the demolition exercise, claiming they had not been given prior notice to vacate the area and questioned where authorities expected them to relocate following the exercise.
