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The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee has strongly condemned recent remarks made by the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Mr. Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, describing them as “reckless” and “undemocratic.”
Mr. Boadi, speaking during Kumasi’s ongoing decongestion exercise, advocated for what he termed a “military-democratic” approach to enforcement and threatened physical action against traders who defy Assembly directives. His comments have since drawn sharp criticism, with the Minority warning that such rhetoric undermines Ghana’s democratic principles and the rule of law.
In a statement signed by Francis Asenso-Boakye, Ranking Member of the Committee and MP for Bantama, the Minority acknowledged the authority of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) under the Local Governance Act (Act 936) to enforce by-laws and maintain public order. However, they insisted that this power must be exercised within the bounds of the law and with respect for citizens’ fundamental rights.
“Violence, threats of physical abuse, and the use of fear as a governance strategy have no place in a constitutional democracy,” the statement read.
The Caucus warned that the MCE’s remarks could seriously erode public confidence in local governance structures and potentially expose the KMA to accusations of human rights violations.
The Minority has called on the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to intervene promptly, urging him to advise the MCE to withdraw his comments and adopt a more lawful, responsible, and humane approach to the decongestion campaign.
They also emphasized the need for dialogue and cooperation with affected traders, calling on the KMA to explore inclusive solutions, including the creation of alternative trading spaces.
“The objective of decongestion must not come at the expense of livelihoods,” the statement asserted. “Traders are not lawbreakers—they are citizens contributing to the local economy under challenging conditions.”
Reaffirming their commitment to accountable and inclusive local governance, the Minority stressed that efforts to build cleaner and more orderly urban centers must be rooted in legality, compassion, public education, and stakeholder engagement—not coercion and intimidation.
“We must aspire to a country governed by the rule of law, empathy, and respect for every Ghanaian’s dignity,” the statement concluded.
The incident has reignited broader concerns about the conduct of local authorities during urban decongestion efforts, with civil society groups also urging restraint and the adoption of rights-based approaches.
Source:Omanghana.com
