The Minority Caucus on the Local Government and Rural Development Committee of Parliament has told the Mayor of Kumasi, Mr. Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, that violence, threats of physical abuse, and the use of fear as a governance tool are unacceptable in any form and have no place in a constitutional democracy like Ghana’s.
The Minoroty in a statement signed by Francis Asenso-Boakye, Member of Parliament for Bantama and Ranking Member Local Government and Rural Development Committee of Parliament said that the remarks made by the Mayor tp “beat” errant hawkers are not only reckless, but also risk undermining public confidence in local authorities and may expose the Assembly to potential human rights violations.
Mr Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, had issued a stern two-week ultimatum to traders operating illegally on pavements and roadsides in the Adum area, warning that failure to comply would result in harsh penalties, including public lashings.
Addressing the press in Kumasi on Monday, April 14, Mr. Boadi announced that starting Wednesday, April 16, 2025, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) will commence a rigorous decongestion operation to restore order within the city’s central business district.
He emphasised that traders who continue to sell on pavements after the deadline will be dealt with severely.
“I have my own democratic military style, which I will be implementing. When we say leave this space and you don’t leave this space, and I get there, and you’re not lucky and my boys are with me, there and then, we will beat you,” the Mayor stated.
The KMA boss explained that previous methods, such as confiscating goods and making arrests, have not yielded lasting results, as traders frequently return to the same unauthorised spots.
The Minoroty, in their reaction said that “We, the Minority Caucus on the Local Government and Rural Development Committee of Parliament, have taken note, with deep concern, of recent statements made by the Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Mr. Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, in which he described the adoption of a so-called “military-democratic” style of enforcement and threatened physical assault on traders who do not comply with directives regarding the ongoing decongestion exercise. While we fully acknowledge that the Local Governance Act (Act 936) empowers Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) as the highest planning authorities within their jurisdictions, and it is indeed their lawful duty to enforce bylaws and ensure public order, including preventing trading on pedestrian walkways, this mandate must be carried out within the confines of the law and with full respect for human rights.
“Violence, threats of physical abuse, and the use of fear as a governance tool are unacceptable in any form and have no place in a constitutional democracy like ours. The remarks made by the Mayor are not only reckless, but also risk undermining public confidence in local authorities and may expose the Assembly to potential human rights violations.
“We therefore call on the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to intervene as a matter of urgency and impress upon the Mayor the need to retract his comments and adopt a more lawful, respectful, and humane approach to enforcement. Furthermore, we urge the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to engage meaningfully with the affected traders, and work with all relevant stakeholders to identify and provide suitable alternative trading spaces. The goal of decongestion must not be pursued at the cost of livelihoods. Traders are not adversaries—they are citizens contributing to the local economy under often difficult conditions.
“We remain committed, as a caucus, to promoting inclusive, accountable, and human-centered local governance in Ghana. Clean and organized cities can and must be achieved through collaborative planning, education, and lawful enforcement; not intimidation and violence.
“Let us all commit to building a country governed by the rule of law, compassion, and respect for the dignity of every Ghanaian.”
