Despite backlash, Kumasi’s newly appointed Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, popularly known as Zuba, has defended his controversial threat to whip traders who defy the city’s ban on pavement trading.
He defended the statement, saying it aligns with his commitment to governing Kumasi in a “democratic military style.”
The Mayor recently announced a two-week decongestion exercise, starting Wednesday, April 16, 2025, to clear traders operating on sidewalks and unauthorized spaces in Kumasi’s Central Business District.
The move has drawn widespread public criticism.
Defending flogging
In an April 15 interview on Citi FM’s ‘Eyewitness News’, Boadi justified his threat to flog defiant traders, calling it a necessary step to restore order and instill discipline. “I don’t believe in relying on the police for decongestion—it’s costly, and afterward, the situation just returns to normal,” he argued.
Frustration
The Mayor expressed frustration over traders occupying roadsides, with some even cooking and selling food in the middle of streets.
He described the situation as unsightly and vowed to address it decisively. “Kumasi is drowning in filth, and I’m determined to confront it head-on,” he declared.
When asked whether President John Dramani Mahama endorsed his approach, Boadi avoided a direct answer, saying, “We won’t get to that point—let’s focus on the end result.”
Long-term vision
Boadi emphasized his long-term goal of transforming Kumasi into a clean, well-organized, and business-friendly city capable of attracting investment and fostering economic growth.
