In spite of the decongestion exercise being undertaken by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) in the Central Business District (CBD) of the metropolis, activities of hawkers are progressing steadily in the area.

On Tuesday the KMA, under the headship of Samuel Sarpong, embarked on a fresh decongestion exercise in the CBD of the city to reduce congestion.

The presence of hawkers in the area, particularly Kejetia, has restricted the movement of vehicles as well as human beings.

The hawkers have virtually taken over the pavements and streets in the CBD, thereby impeding the movement of vehicles and persons.

Due to the unpleasant development, human and vehicular traffic builds up during rush hours.

Several decongestion exercises have taken place in Kumasi since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) assumed power but the problem still persists.

Though the exercise, which is being carried out in phases, is on-going, some hawkers still sell their wares on the streets to earn a living.

When DAILY GUIDE visited the area, some hawkers were seen busily embarking on their activities.

While some of the hawkers boldly displayed their wares, others were seen moving from one place to another with their wares on their hands and heads.

However, a KMA task force was deployed to vintage points in the decongested areas to ensure that hawkers do not return.

Some hawkers, who were not lucky, were arrested by the task force and sent to the KMA where they were made to pay certain amounts before their wares were released to them.

Meanwhile, some residents, who lauded the exercise, have entreated the KMA to continue the exercise to ensure that hawkers do not return to the area.