Former Kumasi Mayor, Sam Pyne, has criticised the current Mayor’s threat to unleash force against traders operating on pavements in the city’s central business district, calling the approach “undemocratic” and potentially counterproductive.
The Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, during a press conference on April 14, threatened to unleash his men on traders who sell on pavements within the central business district of Kumasi.
Speaking in an interview on Joy FM‘s Newsnight on Tuesday, April 15, Mr Pyne said that while dealing with congestion and street trading in Kumasi remains a difficult task, resorting to flogging is not the solution.
“It’s a difficult task dealing with the people of Kumasi, which I must admit. But for the approach [ flogging], you see the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, likewise, all other metropolitan municipalities, assemblies have byelaws. We have our byelaws that are fixated, and they deal with all offenses and infractions.
“So, going ahead with this democratic terrorism is not the way to go,” he said.
According to him, such a hardline stance could create unnecessary tension and resistance from the public.
Mr. Pyne highlighted the importance of strategic enforcement and long-term infrastructure development over force. He cited his own administration’s efforts to relocate traders and decongest the central business district through planned market expansion projects.
“One key solution is the completion of the Central Market Phase Two. That facility, when finished, will include a massive terminal on the ground floor, which will take vehicles off the streets and significantly reduce congestion. Traders naturally follow the flow of passengers—once we remove the vehicles from the roadsides, the traders will follow suit.”
Also, Amnesty International Ghana has condemned the recent remarks by the Mayor’s comment describing them as irresponsible and undemocratic.
According to Amnesty International, the Mayor’s comments undermine the principles of rule of law and responsible leadership.
