Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has rescinded his decision to beat up traders selling on pavements in the region.
In a recent interview, the Mayor was heard withdrawing the declaration he made a few days ago after being heavily criticized for issuing such a warning.
In his counter directive, he said, “In the first place I will want to use your radio to withdraw the statement I made about beating traders who sell on pavements in Kumasi. I will rather take you to court and see you jailed.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to ensure the city of Kumasi becomes the cleanest city in the country.
The Mayor prior to this U-turn issued a stern warning to traders selling on pavements in the region.
According to him, any trader found selling on pavements in the central business district will be flogged mercilessly by authorities of the KMA.
He also gave traders selling on pavements a two-week ultimatum to move from these places.
Explaining his new choice of enforcement, the Mayor indicated that conventional enforcement measures, such as confiscating goods and making arrests, have proven ineffective, necessitating a more direct approach.
“I have my own military-democratic style which I will be implementing. When we say leave the space, and you don’t leave the space, and I get there with my boys, we will beat you.”
The mayor issued this warning during a press conference on Monday, April 14, 2025, where he outlined plans for a decongestion exercise aimed at clearing traders from pavements and roadsides.
“In the middle of Adum, if I’m alone, you will be lucky, but if I’m with my ten boys, in their pick-up with their whips, trust me, we will beat you. If you don’t want to experience that kind of situation, do what is right and lawful.”
Emphasizing the need to maintain order in Kumasi, which he referred to as “Otumfuo’s city” and the “garden city of West Africa”, Mayor Boadi asserted his readiness to take decisive action against resistance.
“We have to preserve it. 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 clarified that he does not anticipate criticism for enforcing these measures and urged traders to adhere to the regulations voluntarily to avoid confrontation.
Watch video:
The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, has withdrawn his statement that he would beat traders operating on pavements in Kumasi. pic.twitter.com/d7ZAugx4f7
— EDHUB🌍ℹ (@eddie_wrt) April 16, 2025
