Constitutional Lawyer, Kwame Adofo, has harshly criticized the newly-appointed Kumasi Mayor, Mr. Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, over his recent threat to “beat” traders who refuse to vacate pavements in the city’s central business district.
Speaking on Prime News on ABC News GH, Mr. Adofo described the comments as dangerously out of line with democratic principles.
“Threat to beat people is loose talking,” he said bluntly.
“In a democratic environment, it is illogical for a public officer to make that statement. There is no way he can be lashing people on the street. That will be taking us back to the military era.”
His rebuke follows Mayor Boadi’s announcement during a press briefing on Monday, April 14, in which he issued a two-week ultimatum to traders operating along roads and pavements in Kumasi to vacate or face severe repercussions, including the possibility of physical punishment.
The mayor’s directive, which takes effect from Wednesday, April 16, is part of a decongestion exercise aimed at tackling the persistent issue of street trading and urban disorder.
Citing the ineffectiveness of previous methods such as arrests and confiscation of goods, the Mayor proposed what he called a “military-democratic style” of enforcement to restore sanity to the city.
But the Mayor’s approach has triggered an uproar from legal and civil society groups who argue that the use of force is not only undemocratic but potentially unlawful.
“There is no way this country will tolerate this undemocratic behaviour,” Adofo emphasized.
“But if he dares touch them, then trust me, he is going to face a lawsuit.”
Kumasi, Ghana’s second-largest city, has long battled with congestion caused by unregulated street vending, especially in the bustling central business district.
Over the years, successive city authorities have launched decongestion exercises—often accompanied by resistance from traders who say they are simply trying to make a living in the absence of viable alternatives.
While the KMA insists that the latest directive is meant to improve safety and urban aesthetics, critics fear that it could violate fundamental human rights if implemented with excessive force.
Mr. Boadi’s tough-talking stance has divided public opinion. Some residents support strong action to reclaim public spaces, while others are concerned about the implications of deploying punitive measures in a democratic society.
