The Minority Caucus in Ghana has strongly criticized Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi's approach to decongesting the city's central business district. The Mayor's threats to physically assault traders who refuse to comply with directives have sparked controversy, with the Minority describing his comments as "reckless" and "unconstitutional".
Background of the Controversy
Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi announced a crackdown on traders operating on pavements in the central business district, warning that those who disobey would face physical punishment. The Mayor's comments, made during a press conference, sent shockwaves across the city, with many questioning the legitimacy and brutality of his threats ¹.
Minority MPs' Reaction
In response to the Mayor's comments, the Minority Caucus issued a press release, signed by Ranking Member Francis Asenso-Boakye, expressing deep concern over the Mayor's approach. According to the MPs, the Mayor's statements risk undermining public confidence in local authorities and may violate the fundamental rights of traders. They emphasized that while Assemblies are empowered to regulate public spaces and enforce bylaws, these powers must be exercised within the boundaries of Ghana's democratic and legal framework.
Concerns Over Human Rights
The Minority's concerns are echoed by Amnesty International, which has condemned the Mayor's threats as undermining the principles of rule of law and responsible leadership. The human rights organization emphasizes that the use of violence and intimidation is unacceptable in a constitutional democracy like Ghana ².
Call for Intervention
The Minority is calling on the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to intervene and ensure the Mayor retracts his comments. They urge the government to advocate for a more lawful, respectful, and humane approach to enforcement. According to the MPs, any meaningful attempt at decongesting Kumasi's central business district must be done in collaboration with those most affected: the traders.
Alternative Solutions
The Minority proposes a more collaborative approach, where the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly engages with affected traders and works with relevant stakeholders to identify and provide suitable alternative trading spaces. This approach prioritizes the livelihoods of traders, recognizing them as citizens contributing to the local economy under often difficult conditions.
Key Highlights
- Controversy over Mayor's threats: Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi's comments on physically assaulting traders have sparked controversy and criticism from the Minority Caucus.
- Concerns over human rights: The Minority and Amnesty International have raised concerns over the Mayor's approach, citing potential violations of human rights and the rule of law.
- Call for intervention: The Minority is calling on the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to intervene and ensure the Mayor retracts his comments.
- Alternative solutions: A more collaborative approach, prioritizing the livelihoods of traders and providing alternative trading spaces, has been proposed as a more effective and humane solution.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Kumasi Mayor's threats to traders highlights the need for a more nuanced and collaborative approach to addressing urban congestion. By prioritizing the livelihoods of traders and engaging with relevant stakeholders, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly can work towards creating a more inclusive, accountable, and human-centered city.
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