Kumasi Mayor Threatens to Use Force Against Traders on Pavements

The newly confirmed Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Richard Ofori Boadi, has sparked public outrage following controversial remarks threatening to use physical force against traders who refuse to vacate pavements within the city’s central business district.

Addressing the media at a press conference on Monday, Mayor Boadi issued a stern two-week ultimatum to all traders operating on pavements in Adum and other key commercial areas, warning that failure to comply would result in immediate and punitive action.

“I have my own military-democratic style which I will be implementing,” the mayor declared. “When we say leave the space, and you don’t leave the space and I get there, and my boys are with me, there and then we will beat you.”

According to Mr. Boadi, his enforcement team — described as “ten boys in a pick-up with their whips” — will not hesitate to administer physical punishment to defiant traders. The remarks, which were captured on video, have since gone viral and stirred intense debate on social media and across political circles.

He justified his tough stance by citing the need to preserve Kumasi’s status as the “Garden City of West Africa,” and emphasized his commitment to restoring order and discipline in the city.

“This is Otumfuo’s city, this is the Garden City of West Africa, and we have to preserve it,” he said. “If you want the job to be difficult for me, I will let your body feel the difficulty you are giving to me.”

The mayor’s comments have drawn criticism from human rights advocates, civil society organizations, and legal experts, who argue that the threats contravene the rule of law and Ghana’s democratic values.

Meanwhile, some residents and business owners have expressed support for efforts to decongest the city but have called for lawful and humane methods to achieve that goal.