The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) is leading the construction of a new Central Divisional Police Headquarters in Kumasi's Central Business District. The GH¢4.8 million project, funded by the central government, aims to replace the existing congested facility. The current structure houses nine offices of the Ashanti Central Division, with inadequate space and cells hindering effective service delivery.
The new three-storey facility will provide larger office space, conference rooms, and six modern cells for suspects. These cells include separate detention facilities for juveniles, women, and hardened criminals. Kumasi Mayor Kwasi Ofori Agyemang Boadi disclosed this during a donation ceremony. The Ashanti Business Owners Association (ABOA) donated GH¢200,000 to support the relocation of police personnel for the construction.
The project requires demolishing an old structure within the Ashanti Regional Police Headquarters. A temporary facility is needed to accommodate current occupants during construction. The temporary structure, estimated at GH¢750,000, is outside the main project's budget. The KMA is appealing to corporate institutions and philanthropists for support to mobilize funds for the temporary facility.
So far, GH¢210,000 has been raised, with the latest donation from ABOA bringing the total closer to the target. Mayor Ofori Agyemang Boadi is appealing to the public, corporate bodies, and philanthropists to help achieve the GH¢750,000 target. The KMA intends to establish a Metropolitan Police Unit dedicated to preventing and managing crime within the Central Business District.
ABOA's Executive Secretary, Charles Kusi Appiah Kubi, stated the donation is part of their Corporate Social Responsibility to the city. "Safety is the foundation of every development. For businesses, investing in security ensures that we protect our investments," he said. The Association also pledged to support the Assembly in sanitizing the Central Business District.
The completion of the new divisional headquarters is expected to significantly enhance policing in the area. The KMA believes this will improve crime prevention and management within the Central Business District. The project is a collaboration between the KMA and other stakeholders to improve security in Kumasi.
The KMA's efforts to improve security and infrastructure in Kumasi are ongoing. The Assembly is working on various projects to enhance the city's development. The new police headquarters is a key part of these efforts, aiming to provide better facilities for policing and improve the overall security situation in the city.
Key points
- The new police headquarters will provide larger office space and modern cells for suspects.
- The project requires a temporary facility to accommodate current occupants during construction.
- The KMA is appealing for support to mobilize funds for the temporary facility.
