We’ll flog traders who violate pavement trading ban – Kumasi Mayor

The Kumasi Mayor has issued a two-week ultimatum to traders. They must leave the pavements in the central business district. If they do not comply, they may face sanctions, including lashes.

Mr. Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi announced this on Monday, April 14. Starting Wednesday, April 16, 2024, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) will begin a decongestion exercise. This effort aims to evict all traders selling on pavements and roadsides.

The KMA warned that anyone found selling on the roads will be dealt with firmly. Traditional methods like confiscating goods and making arrests have failed. Traders continue to return despite these actions.

The mayor noted that this indiscipline contributes to congestion in the city. He emphasized that it must be addressed urgently. To deter traders, he threatened to lash those who do not comply.

At the news conference, Mr. Boadi described his enforcement approach as military-style combined with democratic principles. He believes this method will effectively keep traders off the pavements.

He stated, “If you don’t leave the space and I arrive with my team, we will beat you.” He added that if he is alone, traders might be lucky but not when he has backup.

“This is Otumfoo’s city,” he said. “We must preserve it as the garden city of West Africa.” He warned that if traders make his job difficult, they would feel the consequences of their actions.