Traders who refuse to vacate pavements will be subjected to beatings -Kumasi Mayor

Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has come under intense public scrutiny following controversial remarks threatening to physically assault traders who fail to vacate pavements and roadsides within a two-week deadline.

Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, the Mayor issued a stern warning to street traders encroaching on public spaces, vowing to personally lead a forceful eviction if they do not comply with the directive.

“I have my own democratic military style which I will be implementing. If I get there and you’re still occupying the space, and I’m with my boys, we will beat you,” Mr. Boadi stated. “This is Otumfuo’s city. We must preserve its image, and if you make the work difficult for me, I’ll make your body feel that difficulty.”

According to the Mayor, his directive is part of efforts to restore order and cleanliness in Kumasi, known as the "Garden City of Africa." However, his statement that he does not believe in the policing system and would rather take the law into his own hands has sparked backlash from civil society and legal experts, who say his comments undermine the rule of law.

The directive, aimed at clearing hawkers and traders from unauthorized selling points, follows similar efforts by past city authorities, though concerns remain over enforcement methods and the welfare of displaced traders.

Human rights advocates and legal practitioners have called on the Mayor to retract his comments and adhere to legal and humane approaches in implementing city by-laws.

The situation is likely to draw national attention as stakeholders weigh in on the legality and ethics of the Mayor's threats.