A/R: He dares not! - Traders throw challenge to Kumasi Mayor to flog them for selling on pavement

Some traders operating along pavements in the central business district of Kumasi have reacted strongly to a threat by the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, warning that they could be flogged publicly if they fail to vacate the roadsides within a two-week ultimatum.

In interviews with Joy News, the traders described the mayor's comments as demeaning and unacceptable, urging him to use dialogue instead of threats to address the issue of street vending.

“Yes, where we are now is not the appropriate place for us to trade, but it’s due to some circumstances. We will leave if they ask us to, but for the mayor to say he will flog us with his men is unfortunate. We are not animals. He dares not,” one angry trader said.

Another trader called for an apology from the mayor, insisting his approach was uncalled for. “We all want the betterment of Asanteman, but you can't tell us you will beat us. He should apologize to us,” she stated.

The Mayor has announced that from Wednesday, April 16, 2024, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly will embark on a two-week decongestion exercise aimed at evicting all traders selling on pavements and along roadsides. However, the mayor’s alleged threat of flogging has sparked controversy and pushback from affected vendors.