The Mayor of Kumasi, Sam Pyne, says most of the malfunctioning traffic lights in the Central Business District of Kumasi are due to theft and vandalism. According to him, batteries and cables that ensure that the lights function properly are often stolen from the transformers which causes the light to break down. Speaking on Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9fm in Kumasi, Sam Pyne said the rate at which the equipment was stolen "is overwhelming but we have engaged the police. Even though we had a formal engagement with them [police] we are now building a closer bond for them to help us out. Because it is going beyond the budget the government releases for the maintenance of traffic lights." He further explained that ground excavation was also another contributory factor to malfunctioning traffic lights.