The Minority Caucus on the Local Government and Rural Development Committee in Parliament has issued a sharp rebuke of Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, condemning his recent comments threatening physical assault on traders as part of an ongoing decongestion exercise in the city.
In a press statement signed by Ranking Member Francis Asenso-Boakye, the Minority described the Mayor’s remarks as “reckless,” “unconstitutional,” and “deeply concerning,” warning that such threats undermine public confidence in local authorities and violate the fundamental rights of Ghanaian citizens.
“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 statement read.
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) recently launched a two-week decongestion campaign targeting unauthorized street trading and illegal occupation of pavements in the Central Business District. However, public backlash has grown following the Mayor’s unapologetic endorsement of corporal punishment as a method of enforcement, citing inefficiencies in using the police.
While the Minority acknowledged that local assemblies are legally mandated under the Local Governance Act (Act 936) to regulate public spaces and enforce bylaws, they stressed that these powers must be carried out within the bounds of Ghana’s democratic principles and the rule of law.
“Violence, threats of physical abuse, and the use of fear as a governance tool are unacceptable in any form,” the statement emphasized. “They have no place in a constitutional democracy like ours.”
The Caucus called on the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to intervene immediately and ensure that Mayor Boadi retracts his comments, which they say could embolden unlawful conduct by other officials and set a dangerous precedent.
They urged the government to promote a more lawful, respectful, and humane approach to municipal enforcement, especially in matters involving economically vulnerable groups such as street traders.