"Military-democratic style": Kumasi mayor to lash traders on pavements

Kumasi Mayor Threatens to Punish Traders on Pavements

Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi has issued a warning. He threatens to lash traders who do not vacate pavements in the city.

Boadi gave unauthorized traders a two-week ultimatum. They must leave the central business district's pavements. A decongestion exercise will start on April 16.

At a press conference on April 14, Boadi shared his plans. He stated he would borrow tactics from military governments for managing Kumasi.

He said, “I have my own military-democratic style.” He warned that if traders do not comply, they may face consequences.

“This is Otumfuo’s city,” he emphasized. “We have to preserve it.” Boadi was confirmed as Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly on April 10.

He clarified that the decongestion exercise would not involve military personnel. Instead, he aims to use innovative methods to maintain commerce while reclaiming public spaces.

In addition, Boadi plans to address stray cattle in the city. Starting May 1, any stray cattle will be seized and killed. The meat will be used to feed inmates at Kumasi Central Prison.

He described roaming cattle as a significant problem for the city. Boadi urged herders to keep their animals out of urban areas.

“There will be severe consequences for straying cattle,” he warned. He expressed concern about visitors seeing animal waste along key routes in Kumasi.

This announcement follows recent local government appointments by President John Mahama.