According to the Ranking Member of the Committee, Mr Francis Asenso-Boakye, the MCE’s comments, where he reportedly endorsed a “military-democratic” approach and warned of physical action against non-compliant trad­ers are reckless and dangerous.

In a press release copied to The Ghanaian Times, the Minority described the Mayor’s utterances as unacceptable and called on the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development to act swiftly.

“Violence, threats of physical abuse, and the use of fear as a governance tool are unacceptable in any form and have no place in a constitutional democracy like ours,” the statement read.

While acknowledging that Met­ropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have the legal backing under Act 936 to enforce local bylaws, the Caucus stressed that enforcement must be carried out lawfully and with respect for human rights.

“The goal of decongestion must not be pursued at the cost of live­lihoods. Traders are not adversar­ies—they are citizens contributing to the local economy under often difficult conditions,” Mr Asen­so-Boakye stated.

The Minority further urged the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to engage traders and stakeholders in a more humane and constructive manner, and to provide suitable alternative trading spaces to ensure peaceful and sustainable enforce­ment of bylaws.