Kumasi Mayor Threatens to Use Force Against Traders on Pavements

According to Mr. Boadi, his enforcement team — described as “ten boys in a pick-up with their whips” — will not hesitate to administer physical punishment to defiant traders. The remarks, which were captured on video, have since gone viral and stirred intense debate on social media and across political circles.

He justified his tough stance by citing the need to preserve Kumasi’s status as the “Garden City of West Africa,” and emphasized his commitment to restoring order and discipline in the city.

“This is Otumfuo’s city, this is the Garden City of West Africa, and we have to preserve it,” he said. “If you want the job to be difficult for me, I will let your body feel the difficulty you are giving to me.”

The mayor’s comments have drawn criticism from human rights advocates, civil society organizations, and legal experts, who argue that the threats contravene the rule of law and Ghana’s democratic values.

Meanwhile, some residents and business owners have expressed support for efforts to decongest the city but have called for lawful and humane methods to achieve that goal.