In July 2016, a stampede in an overcrowded Asawase Community Center in Kumasi claimed nine young lives, whilst scores of other Muslim holiday revelers got injured.
Almost a year on, a teenage boy was shot in the head as he participated in the 2017 Eid-Ul-Fitr celebration at Manhyia.
Various security lapses have been identified and interventions outlined to avert recurrence of such incidents.
But there is a critical factor that has been downplayed – Kumasi is deprived of public recreational facilities to accommodate holiday and fun makers.
Festivities like the Eid, Christmas and Easter mostly attract young people who seek avenues to revel. But with limited avenues to host large crowds, the risk of falling prey to the Manhyia shooting incident remains high.
Kumasi Cultural Centre
The Kumasi Centre for National Culture “Cultural Centre” has in times past served as the major attraction to young holiday makers with exciting programmes for all.
The Centre has good space and other facilities to host large numbers.
However, the area is no longer attractive. Vehicular congestion and commuter traffic jam along the Kejetia-Bantama stretch has rendered the Cultural Centre almost inaccessible and unattractive to people.
Hence, event organizers seldom opt to host programmes at the enclave.
Children’s Park
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There are a number of parks in Kumasi[/caption]
The Children’s Park at Amakom has a serene greenly environment for social pleasure and leisure reading.
This 10.9 acre land was allotted for the multipurpose park in the late 1980s to serve the recreational needs of children in Kumasi and other parts of the Ashanti region.
But the facility, which includes a playground and a library, has been left to deteriorate over the years with no rehabilitation in sight.
The park has largely become a den for criminals, an abode of reptiles and an atmosphere for suicide freaks whilst young people seek avenues to develop the physical and mental wellbeing.

