The Minority Caucus on the Local Government and Rural Development Committee has strongly condemned Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi for what they described as “reckless” and “undemocratic” comments suggesting the use of physical force against traders during the city’s decongestion exercise.
The Caucus argues that such rhetoric undermines Ghana’s democratic values and could lead to potential human rights violations.
While acknowledging that the Local Governance Act empowers Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to enforce by-laws, the Minority insists that such authority must be exercised with respect for citizens’ fundamental rights.
“Violence, threats of physical abuse, and the use of fear as a governance tool are unacceptable in any form,” the statement read. “They have no place in a constitutional democracy like ours.”
The Minority is calling on the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to intervene and advise the Kumasi Mayor to adopt a more constructive and humane approach.
Led by Ranking Member Francis Asenso-Boakye, the Caucus expressed deep concern over the Mayor’s recent statements, warning that such remarks could erode public trust in local authorities and infringe on the rights of traders.
“We have taken note, with deep concern, of recent statements made by the Metropolitan Chief Executive… 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,” the press release stated.
Asenso-Boakye stressed that successful decongestion efforts in Kumasi’s central business district require collaboration with traders, who are most affected by such initiatives.
The Minority urged the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to meaningfully engage with the affected traders and work with all relevant stakeholders to identify and provide alternative trading spaces.
“Decongestion must not come at the cost of livelihoods,” the statement added, describing the traders as contributors to the local economy who operate under difficult conditions, not lawbreakers.
