The Minority Caucus on the Local Government and Rural Development Committee of Parliament has expressed deep concern over recent statements made by the Chief Executive Officer for the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi.
The mayor’s comments on adopting a “military-democratic” style of enforcement and threatening physical assault on traders who do not comply with decongestion directives have sparked outrage.
The Caucus urges the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to intervene and impress upon the Mayor the need to retract his comments and adopt a more lawful and humane approach to enforcement.
In a statement issued by the member of Parliament for Bantama, Francis Asenso Boakye, on Wednesday, April 16, it was mentioned that KMA should engage with traders and identify suitable alternative trading spaces, prioritizing collaborative planning, education, and lawful enforcement over intimidation and violence.
The Local Governance Act (Act 936) empowers Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to enforce bylaws and ensure public order.
However, the Minority Caucus emphasizes that this mandate must be carried out within the confines of the law and with full respect for human rights.
“The goal of decongestion must not be pursued at the cost of livelihoods. Traders are not adversaries they are citizens contributing to the local economy under often difficult conditions.”
“Clean and organized cities can and must be achieved through collaborative planning, education, and lawful enforcement, not intimidation and violence.”
This development comes as Ghana navigates economic challenges, recently securing a $370 million staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support its economic stability and growth initiatives.