Kumasi Metropolitan District Assembly (KMA)

Mr. Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, Metropolitan Chief Executive- Kumasi Metropolitan District Assembly (KMA)

Abount Kumasi Metropolitan District Assembly (KMA)

Transforming Kumasi: Strategic Urban Development Under New Leadership

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) stands as one of the 261 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana, forming part of the forty-three districts within the Ashanti Region. Kumasi, the administrative and commercial capital, is at the heart of the metropolis, which spans approximately 254 kilometers. Known for its largely circular physical layout and centrally located trading district, Kumasi is experiencing rapid urban expansion.

With a projected population exceeding two million and a staggering annual growth rate of 5.4%, the city reflects a vibrant mix of rural, peri-urban, and urban zones—estimated at 48%, 46%, and 60% respectively.

This dynamic growth demands transformative urban projects that respond to both infrastructural challenges and socioeconomic needs. Among the most significant is the Greater Kumasi Sanitation and Water Project (GKMA SWP), which seeks to extend clean water access and improve sanitation across the metropolis. Through the construction of thousands of household toilets and institutional facilities, coupled with new pipelines and innovative waste processing systems, the project is reshaping public health outcomes and environmental sustainability.

Another cornerstone initiative is the Kumasi Urban Mobility and Accessibility Project (KUMAP), a World Bank-supported effort aimed at modernizing the city’s transport infrastructure. By introducing a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system along key corridors such as Abuakwa to Ejisu via Kejetia, this project aspires to reduce traffic congestion, promote eco-friendly mobility, and enhance accessibility for all residents.

Complementing these efforts is the Greater Kumasi By-Pass Project, a strategic intervention under the government’s “Big Push” agenda. Designed to redirect freight vehicles away from the congested inner city, the bypass route through Ejisu to Techiman will promote safer travel, stimulate regional commerce, and restore urban order.

Perhaps the most visible transformation is occurring at the Kejetia-Central Market, where Phase Two of its redevelopment is underway. This flagship urban renewal project is set to revitalize Ghana’s largest marketplace, providing modern facilities for thousands of traders and positioning Kumasi as a commercial powerhouse.

Overseeing this ambitious agenda is the Kumasi’s Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr. Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi. Widely known as King Zuba, Mr. Boadi brings a proven track record from his tenure as the Municipal Chief Executive for Obuasi. Under his leadership, Obuasi witnessed significant strides, including the establishment of the Obuasi City campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)—a visionary move that expanded educational access and elevated the town’s intellectual reputation.

Mr. Boadi’s appointment is seen as a strategic decision to reclaim Kumasi’s legacy as the “Garden City of West Africa.” His experience with infrastructure reform, stakeholder collaboration, and cultural sensitivity is expected to drive progress across the metropolis. Pending approval by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, his leadership will be critical in tackling long-standing issues like congestion, inadequate waste management, and urban sprawl. With his reputation for engaging traditional authorities and respecting community structures, Mr. Boadi may well be the catalyst for a new chapter in Kumasi’s development journey.