Minority Caucus Condemns Kumasi Mayor’s Threats, Calls for Respectful Governance
The Minority Caucus in Parliament is calling for swift action from the Minister for Local Government following controversial remarks made by the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, regarding an ongoing decongestion exercise in the city. The Caucus has labelled the Mayor’s comments as “reckless” and “dangerous,” citing his threats of physical assault and promotion of a so-called “military-democratic” enforcement style as inappropriate and harmful to public trust.
In a statement signed by Bantama MP, Francis Asenso-Boakye, the group said such remarks pose a threat to human rights and democratic principles. They argue that while the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has the legal authority under the Local Governance Act (Act 936) to maintain order and enforce bylaws, that power should not be misused to instil fear or promote violence.
According to the Minority, using threats and coercion as a tool of governance is unacceptable in any constitutional democracy. They believe such an approach could erode public confidence in local authorities and expose the Assembly to legal and human rights challenges. The statement called on the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to immediately intervene and urge the Mayor to retract his comments.
The MPs further emphasized the importance of dialogue and empathy in dealing with traders, rather than viewing them as adversaries. They maintained that decongestion efforts must be sensitive to the economic hardships traders face and that their contributions to the local economy should be acknowledged and respected.
The Minority Caucus warned that the Mayor’s comments highlight a disturbing trend of increasingly heavy-handed governance at the local level. They pledged to continue advocating for governance that is inclusive, accountable, and focused on the well-being of all citizens.
The statement concluded with a strong appeal for leadership rooted in the rule of law, compassion, and respect for human dignity. The Caucus insisted that clean and well-organized cities should be achieved through collaborative planning, civic education, and lawful enforcement—not through fear and intimidation.
“Let us build a Ghana where leadership is guided by empathy and governed by law,” the statement urged, reinforcing their commitment to protecting the rights and livelihoods of traders and all citizens.
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