Kumasi streetlight repairs to cost GH₵28 million

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) says it will cost nearly GH₵28 million to restore and install streetlights across the city.

The revelation comes as residents continue to raise concerns about safety and poor visibility on major roads at night.

For years, large parts of Kumasi have remained in darkness due to broken or missing streetlights.

The lack of lighting not only hampers smooth traffic flow but also increases the risk of accidents and security threats for pedestrians and motorists.

Kumasi Mayor Richard Boadi revealed that the assembly has completed a comprehensive assessment of the city’s lighting needs.

“We have received bills on the quantities needed for streetlights. The amount is huge, over 28 million cedis,” he said.

To manage costs, the assembly has prioritised key routes and areas most in need of lighting, reducing the immediate funding requirement to about GH₵13 million.

Among these priority zones are ceremonial routes like Bantama to Prempeh College through Sofoline. The mayor explained that KMA is working closely with streetlight companies to explore staggered payment options and begin work as soon as funds are available.

“I have identified every sensitive area… we have engaged some streetlight companies, so we can see how best we can stagger payment of the 13 million cedis,” Mr. Boadi added in an interview on Luv FM.

While plans to light up the city are underway, Kumasi still struggles with defunct traffic signals that contribute to daily traffic congestion and occasional accidents.

Residents remain hopeful that both issues will be addressed to make the city safer and more efficient for everyone.