Kumasi Mayor denies ordering release of seized “galamsey” excavators
According to the KMA, the excavators in question were temporarily used following the fire outbreak at the Adum Railway area in Kumasi on 21 March
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has denied media reports suggesting that the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, ordered the release of seized excavators.
A statement issued by the Assembly on Tuesday (29 April) said the claims—carried by Joy FM/TV and published on myjoyonline.com—were inaccurate.
According to the KMA, the excavators in question were temporarily used following the fire outbreak at the Adum Railway area in Kumasi on 21 March. The Assembly explained that it relied on support from the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) to deploy the seized machinery to assist in emergency operations.
“These machines were used to break walls and clear paths to allow firefighters and emergency services access to the affected areas,” the statement said.
Following the containment of the fire, technical experts were engaged to assess the structural integrity of nearby buildings. Their report recommended the demolition of the affected structures. However, before the KMA could act on those recommendations, traders began reconstructing the buildings without official approval.
In response, the Mayor reportedly requested the use of the same seized excavators to proceed with the demolition exercise.
However, the Forestry Commission later raised concerns over the use of the equipment. As a result, the KMA said the Mayor immediately ordered the return of the machines and suspended the planned demolition.
“At no point did the Mayor direct any official to release seized excavators under his jurisdiction,” the statement concluded.
The KMA emphasised that its actions were solely aimed at protecting lives and ensuring public safety in the aftermath of the fire.
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