Three officers of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) were injured during a demolition exercise at Asafo, behind the COCOBOD building in Kumasi, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

The operation was undertaken to remove structures obstructing drains and waterways to allow for the desilting of drainage systems ahead of the rainy season.

According to the KMA, residents occupying makeshift structures at the site resisted the exercise and allegedly attacked members of the task force and city guards with stones and other projectiles.

The assembly said the residents also vandalised its equipment, damaging a pick-up truck and an excavator during the confrontation.

Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, condemned the violence, saying the incident would not prevent the Assembly from carrying out measures to reduce flooding in the city.

“There is no way I will sit down for illegality to overcome me,” he said, adding that the damaged vehicles would be repaired and returned to service.

Mr Boadi also confirmed that the injured officers would receive medical treatment after police reports were filed.

Some affected residents, however, maintained that they had lawfully acquired and paid for the land.

They criticised the demolition, saying they had not been given prior notice to vacate the area and questioned where the city authorities expected them to relocate.