KEY POINTS
- Amnesty International will monitor the situation and support traders’ rights.
- Amnesty condemned the Kumasi Mayor’s comments on traders.
- The organisation criticised flogging as an unlawful method for maintaining order.
Amnesty International Ghana condemned the recent remarks by Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi. The organisation called the comments irresponsible and undemocratic.
Boadi threatened to unleash his men on traders selling on pavements in Kumasi’s central business district.
Amnesty International said the mayor’s comments undermine the rule of law and responsible leadership. Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsnite, the organisation condemned the threat to flog traders. Amnesty called it an unacceptable and unlawful approach to maintaining order in the city.
Amnesty calls for respect for human dignity in enforcement
The human rights group emphasised that while selling on pavements is not ideal, it stems from poor planning. Amnesty said political neglect has left traders with few options but to sell on the streets. It called for constructive solutions to address the issue rather than resorting to violence.
Amnesty International also urged the Mayor to retract his threats and focus on lawful enforcement, MyJoyOnline reported.
The organisation stressed that enforcement must respect human dignity and the rights of traders. It also insisted that traders should be supported in conducting business without fear of violence or intimidation.
Amnesty promises to monitor the situation and advocate for traders
Amnesty International reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights and livelihoods of street traders. The organisation said it would continue to monitor the situation closely in Kumasi and advocate for the protection of vulnerable groups.
