KMA Enforces Disability Access Building Permit Requirements

• The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) now requires disability access features for all new public-serving building permit approvals.
• KMA Chief Executive Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi acknowledged that most existing public infrastructure, including KMA's own complex, is not disability-friendly due to its age.
• The KMA is strictly enforcing the accessibility requirements outlined in the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715).
• The Assembly's 2026-2029 Medium-Term Development Plan includes 18 projects, such as renovating parks and the Prempeh Assembly Hall, to improve public space accessibility.
• These initiatives aim to ensure full participation of persons with disabilities in the social and economic life of the metropolis.

For every new building permit proposal that comes before the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, strict adherence to accessibility standards is now a prerequisite for approval, particularly for structures intended for public use.

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has declared a stringent new policy: no building permit will be issued for new public-serving developments unless comprehensive disability access provisions are integrated into their designs. This directive, articulated by KMA Chief Executive Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, signals a significant shift in the city's approach to urban planning and infrastructure development. The KMA disability access building permit enforcement is now a non-negotiable condition for any project seeking approval within the metropolis.

Mr. Boadi openly acknowledged that a majority of existing public infrastructure across Kumasi, including the KMA's own administrative complex and his personal office, currently lacks adequate accessibility for persons with disabilities. He attributed this widespread issue to the fact that many of these structures were erected prior to the enactment of Ghana's Disability Act, meaning they were not originally conceived with inclusive design principles in mind. While immediate retrofitting of these older buildings presents considerable challenges, the focus is now firmly on ensuring future compliance.

Since assuming his role, Mr. Boadi has prioritized the strict enforcement of accessibility requirements as stipulated by the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715). This legislative framework now forms the bedrock of KMA's approval process for new construction. Developers submitting proposals for public-facing buildings are specifically mandated to incorporate essential features such as ramps and accessible channels to facilitate easy movement for individuals with disabilities before any permit can be granted.

This proactive stance underscores the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly accessibility commitment to upholding national standards. The KMA's rigorous review of new development permits ensures that Ghana building accessibility requirements are met from the outset, preventing the creation of new barriers. This approach aims to systematically integrate inclusivity into the urban fabric rather than addressing it as an afterthought.

Beyond the immediate enforcement of building permits, the KMA has outlined ambitious plans for future infrastructure enhancements. The Assembly's 2026-2029 Medium-Term Development Plan encompasses 18 distinct projects specifically designed to foster greater inclusivity across public spaces. These initiatives include the extensive renovation of various parks and community centers throughout the metropolis.

Crucially, these renovation efforts will involve the demolition and subsequent reconstruction of stages within these venues. The new designs will incorporate appropriate ramps and accessible facilities, enabling talented persons with disabilities to access platforms, showcase their abilities, and participate in economic activities. A notable example is the planned renovation of the Prempeh Assembly Hall, which has been specifically budgeted to ensure it becomes fully disability-friendly. Mr. Boadi reaffirmed the KMA's unwavering commitment to promoting disability inclusion, striving to ensure that persons with disabilities can fully engage in the social and economic life of Kumasi.

Lawyers advising clients on new construction or redevelopment projects in Kumasi must ensure strict compliance with the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715) accessibility requirements, as the KMA is actively enforcing these standards for building permit approvals and future public infrastructure projects.

Source: Original reporting via Francis Mensah