Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, popularly known as COKA and a former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Afigya Kwabre South, has strongly criticised the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) boss for allegedly supporting the assault of street traders in the quest to clean up the city.
In a post shared on his social media platforms on April 16, COKA expressed his firm support for efforts to keep Kumasi clean, describing it as the Garden City of Ghana and the seat of the Asantehene.
However, he condemned what he called acts of “instant justice” being carried out against traders, saying such actions have no place in a lawful society.
His comments follow public backlash against the Kumasi Mayor, who has reportedly defended the actions of city taskforce members accused of physically assaulting traders operating in unauthorised areas.
The Mayor’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from residents and political figures alike, many of whom argue that using force is both unnecessary and unacceptable.
COKA acknowledged the importance of enforcing discipline and order in the city but warned the Mayor not to resort to violence as a control method.
He urged the authorities to adopt more humane and lawful approaches in addressing the issue of unauthorised street trading.
“In doing so, I do not think the solution is beating our traders who may commit offences on the street. Such instant justice is an attribute of a coup leader,” he stated, adding that the Mayor, having been appointed and later elected, has no legal mandate to “ask your boys to beat our traders.”
He further warned that such a strategy was prone to abuse and would only remind Ghanaians of what he called “the dark days” of Ghana’s political past.
“I know your party has a history of beating women in the street, so please don’t remind us of the 90s,” COKA said, referencing past incidents of political violence. “Be reminded that we are in a democratic society and there are rules and regulations governing the arrest and prosecution of law offenders.”
COKA urged the Mayor to adopt lawful and humane methods in addressing street trading and sanitation issues in Kumasi, stressing that violence was not the answer.
“We will not sit in Kumasi and allow you to take the law into your hands and beat our women in the street. Be advised,” he concluded.
