The Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, has given traders operating along pavements within the central business district of Kumasi a two-week deadline to vacate the area or face strict enforcement measures.
The decongestion exercise, according to him is set to begin on Wednesday, April 16, 2024, which aims to reclaim public spaces and reduce congestion in the city.
According to the Mayor, previous methods including confiscation of goods and arrests have failed to deter traders from returning to the pavements.
He vowed to take a more assertive approach this time around.
“I have my own military-democratic style which I will be implementing. When we say leave the space, and you don’t leave the space and I get there, and you’re there and my boys are with me, they we will beat you”.
While emphasizing the need for order, Mr. Boadi urged traders to comply with the directive to avoid confrontation.
“This is Otumfoo’s city, this is the garden city of West Africa, and we have to preserve it. If you want the job to be difficult for me, I will let your body feel the difficulty you are giving to me”.
