Congestion in Kumasi: City planners years ago didn’t consider population growth – George Akom
Educationist and governance analyst George Akom has attributed the growing congestion in Kumasi to poor urban planning decisions made decades ago.
Speaking on Kessben FM Mr. Akom explained that many of the city’s current challenges, including traffic jams, overcrowded markets, and poor drainage systems, stem from the fact that early city planners failed to anticipate future population growth and urban expansion.
According to him, Kumasi was originally designed for a much smaller population, and the rapid increase in residents, vehicles, and businesses over the years has overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure.
Mr. Akom stressed that Kumasi, once hailed as the Garden City of West Africa, now faces significant planning and environmental challenges due to unregulated construction, poor road networks, and inadequate public transport systems.
He called for a comprehensive urban renewal strategy that includes redesigning road networks, decongesting the central business district, and relocating some markets and offices to peripheral areas.
He also urged current city authorities and urban planners to adopt a forward-looking approach, incorporating data, technology, and sustainability principles in all future development projects.
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