The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee has issued a strong condemnation of remarks made by the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Mr. Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, over what it described as “reckless” and “undemocratic” comments.
Mr. Boadi, in remarks during the ongoing decongestion exercise in Kumasi, suggested a so-called “military-democratic” enforcement style and threatened physical action against traders who defy Assembly directives.
His statements have triggered widespread backlash, especially from the Minority, who say such rhetoric threatens Ghana’s democratic principles.
In a statement signed by Francis Asenso-Boakye, Ranking Member of the Committee and MP for Bantama, the Minority acknowledged the legal authority of MMDAs under the Local Governance Act (Act 936) to enforce by-laws and ensure public order.
However, they stressed that this power must be exercised with respect for the law and the fundamental rights of citizens.
“Violence, threats of physical abuse, and the use of fear as a governance tool are unacceptable in any form and have no place in a constitutional democracy like ours,” the statement said.
The Caucus warned that the MCE’s comments could severely damage public trust in local government institutions and expose the Assembly to potential human rights violations.
The Minority is urging the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to step in swiftly and advise the MCE to retract his statements and adopt a more responsible, lawful, and humane approach to the decongestion campaign.
They also called on the KMA to engage constructively with affected traders and explore inclusive solutions, including the provision of alternative trading spaces.
“The goal of decongestion must not be pursued at the cost of livelihoods,” the statement emphasized. “Traders are not adversaries—they are citizens contributing to the local economy under often difficult conditions.”
Reaffirming their commitment to inclusive and accountable local governance, the Minority stressed that the pursuit of clean and orderly cities must be grounded in the rule of law, compassion, public education, and stakeholder collaboration—not threats or fear.
“We must commit to building a country governed by the rule of law, compassion, and respect for the dignity of every Ghanaian,” the statement concluded.
The controversy has once again reignited debate over the methods used by local authorities during urban decongestion drives, with civil society also calling for restraint and rights-based approaches.
