I stand by decision to flog defiant traders – Kumasi Mayor

The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has defended his remarks about corporal punishment. He suggested using it against traders who ignore the city's pavement trading ban.

Mayor Boadi announced a two-week decongestion exercise starting Wednesday, April 16, 2025. This initiative targets traders on pavements and in unauthorized areas of Kumasi’s Central Business District.

In an interview on Eyewitness News with Umaru Sanda Amadu, he justified his threat to flog defiant traders. He called it a necessary step to restore order and enforce discipline.

“I don’t believe in using the police for decongestion,” he said. “It costs too much, and we end up back where we started.”

He noted that many traders are cooking and selling food in the streets. “Kumasi is filled with filth, and I want to address this directly,” he added.

However, he did not confirm if President John Dramani Mahama approved his decision. “Let’s focus on the end product,” he stated.

Mayor Boadi argued that traditional enforcement methods have failed over time. His direct approach aims to be more cost-effective and impactful.

He emphasized that the long-term goal is to make Kumasi business-friendly. A clean and organized urban environment is essential for attracting investment and supporting growth.