Amnesty International Ghana has sharply criticized the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, for issuing what the human rights organization describes as reckless and undemocratic threats toward traders operating on city pavements.
In a firm statement during an interview on April 15, Amnesty International Ghana expressed deep concern over the Mayor’s remarks, warning that such comments could endanger the rights and livelihoods of vulnerable street vendors.
The organization did not hold back in its condemnation, urging local authorities to adopt more humane and rights-respecting approaches in addressing urban trading challenges.
“We find the Mayor’s remarks highly irresponsible,” said Samuel Nyantakyi, a spokesperson for Amnesty International Ghana. “Threatening to unleash men to flog traders is not just unlawful—it flies in the face of human rights and democratic governance.”
The Mayor, during a press conference on April 14, threatened to release his men on those selling on pavements in Kumasi’s central business district, describing his approach as “military-democratic.”
But Amnesty Ghana says such language has no place in a democracy.
“There’s nothing democratic about violence or threats of it,” Nyantakyi insisted. “These traders are not criminals. They are victims of years of poor planning and political inaction.”
According to Amnesty, the issue of street trading stems from systemic neglect, not willful lawlessness.
“We understand the need to keep the city orderly, but enforcement must be humane and legal. What we expect from leadership is solutions, not intimidation,” he said.
Amnesty International is demanding an immediate retraction from the Mayor and a shift in strategy—one that involves dialogue, relocation plans, and protection for the livelihoods of informal workers.
“These are Ghanaians trying to survive. They deserve dignity, not lashes,” Nyantakyi added.
