KMA boss orders Bantama traders to vacate roadsides in major crackdown on street trading

In a decisive move to decongest traffic and restore order to the streets of Kumasi, the head of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has directed traders in the busy Bantama district to vacate roadside stalls immediately. The directive is part of a sweeping street-trading crackdown aimed at reclaiming public roads and improving pedestrian and vehicular flow in the city.

According to a public notice issued by the KMA, all traders occupying pavements and roadside spaces must remove their goods and equipment within seven days. The notice warned that failure to comply will result in forced removal and possible confiscation of uncovered merchandise. Officials said this action is necessary to reduce traffic congestion, prevent accidents, and ensure safe pedestrian access.

Traders in Bantama have expressed shock and concern at the order, arguing that many rely on roadside vending for their livelihoods. Several traders said they were given little prior notice and that the directive threatens their income and ability to support their families. Some pleaded for relocation alternatives or designated market zones instead of outright removal.

In response, KMA officials assured traders that the clearance is part of a broader urban planning strategy rather than a punishment. They indicated that future city development plans include the creation of designated trading hubs where vendors can operate legally without obstructing traffic. Officials urged cooperation and promised support in helping traders transition to new market areas.

Urban planning experts welcomed the move, arguing that systematic street-trading control is crucial for reducing congestion, improving sanitation, and enhancing the city’s image. They noted that uncontrolled roadside vending often leads to environmental hazards, increased accidents, and unregulated urban sprawl. The experts added that many major cities around the world have successfully implemented similar measures.

Local civil society organisations however recommended that any relocation plan must include social support for affected traders. They urged KMA to offer training, credit facilities, and official stalls to help traders transition into formal marketplace settings. They warned that without such measures, clearing roadsides might push informal workers further into economic hardship.

For now, the Bantama community is in a state of anticipation and anxiety. Traders are faced with the tough decision of relocating or losing their businesses. As the seven-day window expires, all eyes are on KMA and municipal enforcement teams to see how the clearance operation will unfold.

The action marks a significant moment in Kumasi’s efforts to regulate urban commerce, restore order, and improve livability. Its success or failure could shape how Ghana’s second city manages informal trade and public space in the years ahead.