The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has initiated construction of a new Central Divisional Police Headquarters at a cost of GH¢4.8 million. This project aims to alleviate congestion and improve policing in Kumasi. The current facility, a deteriorating building in the city's Central Business District, houses nine separate police offices. Kumasi Mayor Kwasi Ofori Agyemang Boadi stated that the existing building suffers from inadequate office space and cramped detention conditions, hindering effective police work.
The new police headquarters will be a three-storey structure with larger offices, conference rooms, and six modern cells for suspects. The facility will have separate detention areas for juveniles, women, and hardened criminals. According to the Mayor, the project is funded by the central government. The new headquarters is expected to enhance policing efforts in the area once completed. The KMA is leading the construction process.
The Ashanti Business Owners Association (ABOA) has donated GH¢200,000 to support the relocation of police personnel ahead of construction. The donation is part of ABOA's corporate social responsibility to the city where its members do business. ABOA's Executive Secretary, Charles Kusi Appiah Kubi, emphasized that safety is crucial for development and that investing in security helps protect businesses' investments. The Association has pledged further support for the Assembly's efforts to sanitise the Central Business District.
To facilitate construction of the new headquarters, the KMA must first demolish an old structure within the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters. A temporary facility is needed to house the current occupants during construction. The temporary structure, comprising twelve offices, is estimated to cost GH¢750,000. The KMA has been appealing to corporate institutions and philanthropists for help in raising funds for the temporary facility.
Before ABOA's donation, the KMA had raised GH¢210,000 towards the GH¢750,000 target. The Mayor continues to appeal to the public, corporate bodies, and philanthropists to help the Assembly reach its goal. Securing the remaining funds for the temporary facility is the immediate next step. Once completed, police personnel can relocate, and demolition of the old building can proceed.
The project is expected to have a positive impact on residents and businesses in Kumasi's Central Business District. The KMA intends to establish a Metropolitan Police Unit dedicated to preventing and managing crime within the CBD. The completed divisional headquarters will strengthen policing efforts in the area. The project is a direct response to overcrowded and outdated policing infrastructure that has hampered service delivery in the city.
No specific construction timeline or completion date has been given. The KMA is working to secure the remaining funds needed to complete the temporary facility. Once fundraising is completed, construction of the main headquarters can begin. The project will provide modern facilities for police personnel and improve security in Kumasi.
Key points
- The new police headquarters will cost GH¢4.8 million and feature six modern cells with separate detention areas for juveniles, women, and hardened criminals.
- The Ashanti Business Owners Association donated GH¢200,000 to support the relocation of police personnel ahead of construction.
- A temporary facility costing GH¢750,000 is needed to house police personnel during construction of the new headquarters.
