Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, who just took office as the Mayor of Kumasi, has already faced significant backlash from some Ghanaians, particularly those in the Ashanti Region.
The controversy stems from comments the mayor made in his efforts to restore cleanliness to the city of Kumasi.
One of his most debated actions was announcing that the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) would initiate a two-week decongestion exercise.
This initiative aims to remove traders and vendors operating on pavements and roadsides.
He warned that individuals caught selling on these streets would face severe consequences, including physical assault.
These statements, among others, have sparked criticisms from concerned individuals.
However, a broader conversation has started online, with some Ghanaians speaking about other bigger subjects that may have informed the Kumasi Mayor’s comments.
Some of these concerns are around public nuisances that have, somewhat, been normalised over time, but which require urgent attention.
This GhanaWeb article explores some of these persistent nuisances with a hope that they will get some attention and the necessary corrections made to them.
Pedestrian walkways turned into markets:
In Ghana, particularly in Accra, the nation’s capital, walkways have increasingly been transformed into spaces for trading, forcing pedestrians to be forced to struggle for space on the roads with vehicles, exposing them to potential accidents and endangering their overall safety.
Taxi drivers turning bus stops into parking spaces:
Another nuisance that has unfortunately been normalised is local taxi drivers using bus terminals or busstops as their ‘makeshift’ stations or picking spots.
This practice involves the drivers parking their cars at these bus stops and waiting for passengers, which eventually robs other commercial vehicles of being able to park in order to allow passengers alight.
This situation adds to the traffic congestion on many roads.
It is an issue that requires urgent attention and decisive action to put a stop to it.
Beggars taking over pavements:
Another pressing issue that requires urgent attention is the growing number of beggars sleeping and eating on pavements meant for pedestrians in public places.
Beyond its impracticality, it also contributes to extreme filth, with these people leaving these walkways in an unsanitary state.
The stench that also emanates from these areas is often so overwhelming that one can hardly bear spending a minute there.
Overpasses turned into sleeping quarters
Tied to the above, overpasses across the country are increasingly being turned into sleeping areas for the homeless, a development that poses both safety and sanitation concerns.
These structures, originally designed for pedestrian and vehicular movement, are now being used as makeshift shelters, creating an urgent need for intervention.
‘Area boys’ filling potholes with sand:
It has also become a norm for young men, especially, to take it upon themselves to be filling potholes on highways with sand, gravels, or broken cement blocks.
This practice, while seemingly helpful, may pose risks.
Although the intention might be to improve road conditions, using sand instead of proper materials can lead to further deterioration and unsafe driving conditions on those roads.
This issue calls for immediate attention and a more sustainable solution.
Encroachment
Encroachment continues to be a pressing issue, as individuals and businesses increasingly occupy spaces not designated for their use.
Whether it’s illegal settlements, unauthorised structures, or the misuse of public land, this practice disrupts urban planning, affects infrastructure, and often leads to conflicts or litigations.
Addressing encroachment requires immediate intervention and sustainable solutions to protect public spaces and maintain order.
Cattle on our roads
The presence of cattle on roads has also become a significant challenge, posing risks to both motorists and pedestrians.
Unsupervised livestock wandering onto highways can lead to accidents, traffic disruptions, and road safety concerns.
Addressing this issue requires effective policies and enforcement to ensure safer road conditions for all.
According to many people, considering the issues highlighted above, the Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has every reason to be frustrated and determined to take action in that way.
These nuisances demand urgent attention, as neglecting them will only keep the country stagnant.
VKB/AE