Franklin Cudjoe, the Founding President of IMANI Africa, has strongly criticized the recent pronouncements of Kumasi’s new mayor, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadia, also known as King Zuba, regarding the eviction of street vendors from the city’s central business district. Mayor Agyemang Boadi issued a two-week ultimatum to these traders, threatening forceful eviction if they failed to comply. His approach, which he termed a “democratic military style,” involves a team of enforcers who would physically remove recalcitrant traders. This declaration has sparked controversy, with many condemning it as unlawful and undemocratic.
Cudjoe, a renowned policy analyst, argues that while the mayor’s objective of preserving Kumasi’s image is laudable, the methods employed must strictly adhere to the rule of law. He emphasizes that threatening physical violence against traders is unacceptable and counterproductive. Instead, the mayor should focus on utilizing legal means to address the issue of pavement trading. Cudjoe warns that such “brute talk and carefree behaviour” contributed to the NPP’s loss in the 2024 elections and should be avoided.
The core of the disagreement lies in the mayor’s proposed method of enforcement. Agyemang Boadi expressed frustration with the perceived ineffectiveness of involving the police in previous eviction exercises, claiming that arrested traders often return to the streets shortly after. He therefore proposed using his own team, equipped with canes, to physically remove traders who refuse to comply with the directive. This approach has been widely criticized as a violation of human rights and an abuse of power.
Cudjoe’s critique highlights the importance of due process and respect for the law in addressing urban management challenges. While acknowledging the need to maintain order and cleanliness in the city center, he argues that achieving this goal should not come at the expense of citizens’ rights and dignity. The use of force, especially extra-judicial force, is not only morally reprehensible but also sets a dangerous precedent, undermining the principles of a democratic society. It encourages a culture of impunity and disregard for the law.
The incident also underscores the broader issue of street vending in urban areas. Street vending often arises due to economic hardship and a lack of alternative livelihood opportunities. While recognizing the need for regulation and order, authorities should consider the underlying socio-economic factors that drive individuals to engage in street trading. Rather than resorting to forceful evictions, which can further marginalize vulnerable populations, a more holistic approach is required. This could involve providing alternative trading spaces, micro-finance initiatives, and skills training programs to empower street vendors and facilitate their transition into more formal economic activities.
Cudjoe’s intervention serves as a timely reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status. The use of force and intimidation should never be a substitute for due process and legal procedures. In addressing challenges such as street vending, authorities must prioritize dialogue, collaboration, and sustainable solutions that benefit both the city and its inhabitants. A heavy-handed approach, as proposed by the Kumasi mayor, is likely to be counterproductive and exacerbate existing social tensions. It is crucial for elected officials to act within the confines of the law and uphold the principles of democratic governance.
