‘Zuba’s Flogging Comment Meant to Show Commitment, Not Instill Fear’’ – Ebenezer Frimpong Clarifies
The former District Chief Executive of Sekyere Central, Ebenezer Akuoko Frimpong, speaking on the Kessben TV Maakye Morning Show, has clarified that the Mayor’s earlier remark about publicly flogging traders was not intended to incite fear, but rather to express his strong enthusiasm and commitment to the success of the initiative.
Frimpong was responding to a recent announcement by the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, who revealed a new strategy to address congestion in the city. The Mayor had stated that traders who refuse to vacate unauthorized trading spaces within the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) would be publicly flogged as a deterrent.
While acknowledging that clearing the streets and restoring order in Kumasi is a step in the right direction, Mr. Frimpong emphasized the need for a more balanced approach that includes public education, as many of these traders are unaware of the broader implications of congesting city spaces.
He further argued that imposing fines would be a more effective and lawful method of ensuring compliance. Fines could serve as a deterrent without inciting fear or raising human rights concerns,” he stressed.
The KMA’s aggressive stance has reignited discussions, particularly from the minority caucus in Parliament, who are raising concerns about the method of enforcement and the need for a more humane approach.
By: Anthonia Enyonam Kumado
