The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has issued a stern warning to traders operating on pavements in the Central Business District, giving them a two-week ultimatum to vacate the area.
Failure to comply will result in firm sanctions, the mayor cautioned.
Speaking at a press conference in Kumasi, Mayor Boadi announced that the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) will embark on a decongestion exercise starting April 16 to clear all unauthorized traders from pavements and roadsides. This move aims to alleviate congestion in the city center, exacerbated by persistent pavement trading.
The mayor expressed frustration over the ineffectiveness of previous measures, including arrests and confiscation of goods, in deterring traders from returning to unauthorized spaces.
“Such acts of indiscipline have greatly contributed to congestion in the city and must be dealt with decisively,” Mayor Boadi emphasized.
Warning of tougher enforcement methods, Mayor Boadi stated, “I have my own military-democratic style which I will be implementing. When we say leave the space and you don’t comply, and I arrive with my team, you will be beaten.” He added.
Highlighting the importance of maintaining order in Kumasi, the mayor described the city as the historic “garden city of West Africa” and the seat of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
“This is Otumfuo’s city. If you want to make the job difficult for me, I will let your body feel the difficulty you are causing,” Mayor Boadi cautioned.
The KMA urges all affected traders to relocate within the given timeframe to avoid penalties, emphasizing the need for compliance to maintain the city’s order and aesthetic appeal.
