By Godwin Owusu Frimpong
Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, the newly appointed Mayor of Kumasi, seems intent on making headlines, but are they the kind that signal progress or a disturbing descent into authoritarianism? His recent pronouncements – a plan to beat street vendors, slaughter stray cattle for prison food, and bypass police authority – raise serious questions about his leadership and vision for the city.
While the desire to decongest Kumasi and maintain order is understandable, the Mayor’s methods are alarming. Is resorting to violence and extrajudicial actions truly the best way to address the persistent challenges faced by Kumasi’s traders? What happened to thoughtful urban planning, investment in market infrastructure, and collaborative engagement with the community?
His threat to “beat” traders echoes a troubling disregard for human rights and due process. It begs the question: where is the compassion and understanding for the economic realities that drive these traders to the streets? Successive governments have chronically failed to complete crucial market infrastructure projects like Krofrom Market and Kumasi Central Market, projects that could offer permanent solutions for these vendors. Is it not the government’s responsibility to provide viable alternatives before resorting to such draconian measures?
His open disdain for police cooperation is perhaps the most concerning aspect of his approach. By opting for his self-proclaimed “military-democratic style,” he undermines the rule of law and places himself above established legal and ethical frameworks. What precedent does this set for governance in Kumasi, and how does it impact public trust in institutions?
King Zuba’s bold pronouncements may play well to some segments of the population, but they are ultimately short-sighted and unsustainable. True leadership involves fostering dialogue, finding creative solutions, and upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens. Instead of resorting to brutality and bypassing established processes, the Mayor should prioritize collaboration, investment in infrastructure, and a genuine commitment to building a more just and equitable Kumasi. The citizens of Kumasi deserve solutions, not simply beatings.
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
