Minority in Parliament condemns Kumasi Mayor’s ‘military-democratic’ threats to traders

The Minority Caucus on the Local Government and Rural Development Committee of Parliament has rebuked the Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, over threats made to traders as part of an ongoing decongestion exercise.

Ranking Member of the Committee Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, in a statement expressed the Caucus’ deep concern about the Mayor’s endorsement of a so-called “military-democratic” approach and his threats of physical assault against non-compliant traders.

“The remarks made by the Mayor are not only reckless, but also risk undermining public confidence in local authorities and may expose the Assembly to potential human rights violations,” Hon. Asenso-Boakye said.

While acknowledging that assemblies are empowered under the Local Governance Act (Act 936) to enforce bylaws and ensure public order, the statement emphasized that such responsibilities must be carried out lawfully and with due regard to the rights and dignity of citizens.

The Minority Caucus urged the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to intervene swiftly and impress upon the Mayor to retract his comments.

“We call on the Minister to act urgently. Violence, threats of physical abuse, and the use of fear as a governance tool are unacceptable in any form and have no place in a constitutional democracy like ours,” the statement read.

The Caucus also called for more constructive engagement with affected traders and the provision of alternative trading spaces. They warned that decongestion should not come at the cost of livelihoods.

“Traders are not adversaries—they are citizens contributing to the local economy under often difficult conditions. The goal of decongestion must not be pursued at the cost of livelihoods,” the statement noted.

Reaffirming their commitment to inclusive and people-centered local governance, the Caucus stated that Ghana’s cities can be cleaned and organized through lawful enforcement, education, and planning—not intimidation.

“Let us all commit to building a country governed by the rule of law, compassion, and respect for one another,” Hon. Asenso-Boakye stressed.