Your comments are dangerous – Amnesty International blasts Kumasi Mayor over threats to traders

Amnesty International Ghana has criticized Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi. They call his threats against traders on pavements reckless and undemocratic.

On April 15, Samuel Nyantakyi, a spokesperson for Amnesty, spoke on Joy FM's Newsnite. He said, “We find the Mayor’s remarks highly irresponsible.” He added that threatening to flog traders is unlawful and violates human rights.

During a press conference on April 14, the Mayor threatened to send men after street vendors. He described his approach as “military-democratic.” Amnesty Ghana argues this language is unacceptable in a democracy.

Nyantakyi stated, “There’s nothing democratic about violence or threats of it.” He emphasized that these traders are victims of poor planning and political inaction.

Amnesty believes street trading results from systemic neglect, not lawlessness. They understand the need for order but insist enforcement must be humane and legal.

Nyantakyi said leadership should focus on solutions instead of intimidation. Amnesty International demands the Mayor retract his statements immediately.

They also want a new strategy involving dialogue and relocation plans. This should protect the livelihoods of informal workers. Nyantakyi concluded, “These are Ghanaians trying to survive. They deserve dignity, not lashes.”