Kumasi’s growing infrastructure challenges are becoming a public safety concern, as the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) reveals that it needs at least GH₵28 million to restore and install functional street lighting across the city.
Large portions of the metropolis remain shrouded in darkness due to defunct or absent streetlights, leaving residents vulnerable to crime and road accidents, especially during nighttime hours. The situation has also worsened vehicular congestion, with motorists navigating poorly-lit roads and non-functional traffic signals.
Kumasi Mayor, Richard Boadi, says the cost of fully lighting the city’s streets is staggering, but the assembly is prioritizing urgent areas. “We’ve assessed all the streets and received quantity estimates—over GH₵28 million is required. But to cut costs and ensure immediate impact, we’re focusing on critical areas first, bringing the target to about GH₵13 million,” he explained on Luv FM.
Among the prioritized routes are key ceremonial corridors such as Bantama through Prempeh College to Sofoline, which are considered vital to both civic and security activities.
The assembly is now exploring flexible payment plans with contractors as it races against time to address the worsening darkness. “We’re in talks with streetlight companies to stagger payments so work can start as soon as possible,” Boadi added.
However, residents continue to raise alarm over not just the streetlight deficit, but the persistent failure of traffic management systems in the city. Malfunctioning traffic lights have been blamed for rising vehicle collisions and delays, further compounding the urban infrastructure crisis.
Calls for urgent intervention are growing, with many urging the KMA and central government to treat street lighting and traffic systems not as luxuries, but as essential urban infrastructure critical to public safety and economic activity.
