I Stand By My Decision To Beat Persons Who Trade On Pavements – Kumasi Mayor

Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi has doubled down on his controversial comments advocating for corporal punishment against traders who violate the city’s ban on pavement trading. His remarks come as the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) launches a two-week decongestion initiative aimed at clearing unauthorized vendors from the Central Business District.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Mayor Boadi defended his stance, insisting that stricter measures are necessary to instill discipline and restore order in the city. He criticized previous enforcement efforts involving the police as costly and ineffective, arguing that a more direct approach would yield better results.

“Relying on the police for decongestion has not worked—we spend resources, yet the problem persists,” he stated. “Some traders operate in the middle of roads, cooking and selling food in unhygienic conditions. This is unacceptable, and I am determined to tackle it decisively.”

The Mayor emphasized that Kumasi’s growing sanitation and congestion issues require urgent action. While he did not confirm whether his approach had the backing of President John Dramani Mahama, he urged the public to focus on the long-term benefits of a cleaner, more organized city.

“We must prioritize the end goal: transforming Kumasi into an attractive, investor-friendly hub,” he said. “A well-structured urban environment is essential for sustainable growth.”

The decongestion exercise, which begins today, has sparked mixed reactions, with some traders expressing concerns over harsh penalties. However, Mayor Boadi remains resolute, insisting that maintaining law and order is critical for the city’s development.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com