The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has issued a final evacuation notice for traders, mechanics, car dealers, and owners of temporary structures along key sections of the metropolis. This directive, dated June 8, 2026, is to clear the path for the imminent commencement of the Santasi Roundabout-Asokwa Interchange Dual Carriageway Project, a critical infrastructure development aimed at alleviating traffic congestion and improving mobility in Kumasi.
Context: A City’s Growing Pains
Kumasi, the vibrant commercial heart of the Ashanti Region, has long grappled with significant traffic congestion. The Santasi-Asokwa corridor, a vital artery connecting residential, commercial, and institutional areas, serves thousands of commuters daily. Persistent bottlenecks, especially during peak hours, have impacted productivity and increased travel times. Urban planners have consistently identified this route as a priority for expansion to accommodate the city’s burgeoning vehicular population and support its economic growth.
Evacuation and Site Preparation Underway
The KMA’s public notice mandates the immediate relocation of all affected occupants along the Santasi Roundabout to Asokwa Interchange stretch. Furthermore, all billboards situated within the affected corridors must be removed by the night of Thursday, June 11, 2026. The assembly has also announced the removal of monuments at the Ahodwo and Santasi roundabouts, commencing the same day, to ensure adequate space for construction activities.
The directive explicitly includes the Santasi Roundabout-Holy Mary route on Patasi Road, the Santasi Roundabout-Christian Service University/Star Junction corridor, and the Ahodwo Roundabout-Forestry Office stretch towards Atinga Junction. The KMA warns that non-compliance could significantly hinder the project’s smooth execution and lead to delays in construction commencement.
Major Urban Road Project Aims for Modernization
The Santasi Roundabout-Asokwa Interchange Dual Carriageway Project is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to modernize Kumasi’s road infrastructure. This project aims to address long-standing traffic issues on one of the city’s busiest routes. By upgrading the corridor to a dual carriageway, the KMA anticipates a substantial improvement in traffic flow and enhanced road safety.
Call for Cooperation and Future Benefits
The KMA is appealing to all affected individuals and businesses to cooperate fully with the evacuation directive without delay. The assembly expressed confidence that the temporary disruptions caused by the relocation exercise will ultimately lead to substantial long-term benefits. These include improved traffic flow, increased road safety, and accelerated economic activity within the metropolis.
Motorists and road users are advised to exercise caution and cooperate with authorities as heavy-duty construction equipment and vehicles begin moving into the project area. The KMA emphasized that the successful implementation of this project marks another significant step towards transforming Kumasi into a modern, efficient urban center capable of supporting its rapidly growing population and commercial endeavors.
Implications and What to Watch Next
The successful completion of the evacuation phase will pave the way for the physical construction of the dual carriageway. Commuters can anticipate potential traffic diversions and increased activity along the affected routes in the coming weeks. The KMA’s commitment to transparent communication and cooperation will be crucial in managing public expectations. As construction progresses, the focus will shift to the project’s timeline, potential challenges, and the ultimate impact on Kumasi’s urban mobility and economic landscape. The phased development of such infrastructure projects is key to Kumasi’s long-term vision as a leading African city.
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