We don’t beat people in a democracy – Samson Lardy calls out Kumasi Mayor over brutal decongestion threat

Legal practitioner and media personality, Samson Lardy Anyenini, has written an open letter to Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi. He cautions the Mayor against using brute force in his decongestion plans.

On April 14, the Mayor announced a forceful decongestion operation. This operation is set to begin on April 16. It will target traders occupying pavements and roadside spaces in the city.

The Mayor stated that previous methods, like arrests and seizing goods, have failed. He claims these traders return despite city by-laws. He blames them for worsening congestion and disorder in the city center.

Samson Lardy disagrees with the Mayor's approach and tone. In his letter, he said, “Beating traders to remove them is assault.” He reminded the Mayor that this is a crime.

He referenced the Ghanaian Constitution, which prohibits cruel treatment. “Even if you arrest them for breaking laws,” he wrote, “Article 15 forbids torture or degrading treatment.”

Lardy emphasized that human dignity must be respected at all times. “You must not subject them to conditions that detract from their dignity,” he stated.

In conclusion, he made a strong point: “In this democracy of RULE OF LAW, we don’t resort to lawlessness to check lawlessness.”