Kumasi Mayor backtracks on threats: No more beatings, offenders to face court

The mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has changed his stance. He faced backlash for threatening force against traders in unauthorized areas.

Boadi had given a two-week ultimatum to traders. This included those along busy areas like Adum.

In an interview with Nana Yaa Mensah on the Asaase Breakfast Show, he said, “I have been advised severally, and I want to go by the advice.” He mentioned that some people want legal action against traders. “Where necessary, we will jail some of them,” he added.

This change comes after criticism from civil society groups and legal experts. They called his earlier comments excessive and harmful. One analyst noted that such remarks could undermine public trust in local authorities.

Initially, Boadi threatened physical action against traders. He stated that using violence or fear is unacceptable in a democracy.

Now, he clarified that enforcement will target those on road medians only. “I am not going to be dealing with those on the pavements,” he explained.

He plans to consult technical experts about relocating traders to markets like Racecourse.