Three KMA officers injured as residents resist demolition exercise in Kumasi

Three officers of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) were injured after a demolition exercise targeting illegal structures behind the COCOBOD building at Adum, near the Asafo Overpass, turned violent on Wednesday, July 8.

The confrontation reportedly erupted when some residents occupying makeshift structures at the site allegedly resisted the exercise and attacked members of the Assembly's taskforce, leading to injuries and extensive damage to government property.

According to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, several official vehicles and equipment were vandalised during the incident as angry residents attempted to stop the demolition.

Among the damaged equipment were an Assembly pick-up vehicle and an excavator being used for the operation.

The Assembly also confirmed that three officers sustained injuries during the confrontation and are expected to receive medical treatment after police complete the necessary documentation of the incident.

The extent of the damage to the Assembly's equipment is yet to be officially quantified.

The KMA explained that the demolition exercise formed part of an ongoing campaign to remove illegal structures obstructing major drainage channels within the metropolis.

According to the Assembly, the operation was intended to create access for the desilting of drains ahead of the peak rainy season as part of broader flood prevention measures.

Officials say clearing encroachments along waterways is essential to improving the free flow of stormwater and reducing the risk of flooding in vulnerable communities across Kumasi.

Commenting on the incident, Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi condemned the attack on Assembly personnel and insisted that the violence would not prevent the KMA from carrying out its lawful responsibilities.

He reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to removing illegal structures that pose risks to public safety and urban development.

Our intention is to clear them and then desilt the place. Some of our vehicles have been vandalised. We have lost one pick-up in the process, an excavator was vandalised, and about three or four of our officers were injured."

The Mayor stressed that the Assembly would repair the damaged equipment and continue the exercise.

There's no way I will sit down for illegality to prevail. We will repair the damaged equipment and put it back to work."

Mr. Boadi added that the injured officers would receive the necessary medical attention after police complete investigations and official documentation of the incident.

Some residents affected by the demolition disputed the Assembly's position, insisting that they had legally obtained the land and had not been informed in advance about the demolition exercise.

According to one resident, occupants paid for the land before settling there and were surprised by the operation.

We paid money before they gave us the land. Nobody was living here when we moved to this place. The place was only occupied by thieves. We were not given prior notice to vacate the place."

The residents argued that they should have been served with adequate notice before any demolition was undertaken.

The incident is expected to be investigated by the Ghana Police Service to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack on Assembly officials and the destruction of public property.

Authorities may also examine claims by residents regarding land ownership and whether due process was followed before the demolition exercise commenced.

The confrontation highlights the continuing challenges metropolitan assemblies face in removing illegal structures and enforcing environmental regulations, particularly in areas where developments obstruct drainage systems and increase the risk of flooding during the rainy season.