Accra: The Network for Women’s Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT) has condemned Mr. Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), for his decision to flog traders who violate the ban on trading on the pavements of the city. The Network described this decision as a gross violation of human rights, infringing on the right to human dignity, and disregarding the rule of law.
According to Ghana News Agency, a statement issued in Accra by Akosua K. Darkwah (PhD), NETRIGHT Convenor, emphasized that Ghana is a democratic country governed by the 1992 Constitution. Chapter 5 of the Constitution clearly outlines the human rights of every citizen. It particularly highlighted Section 15 (2a), which categorically states that no person, whether arrested, restricted, detained, or not, shall be subject to torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.
The statement criticized Mr. Boadi’s remarks as unbefitting of a public office holder and called for unequivocal condemnation. As a women’s rights organization, NETRIGHT expressed concern about the impact of such abuse on families and society, noting that women, a third of whom work as traders in Ghana, would bear the brunt of the abuse.
NETRIGHT voiced deep concerns that actions by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) could curtail the democratic rights of traders and create conditions for civil unrest. The organization condemned the MCE’s remarks and expressed displeasure with his failure to retract and apologize, noting that he reiterated his stance on an Accra-based FM station.
The statement concluded by asserting that Mr. Boadi is unfit for public office and called on President John Dramani Mahama to remove him from his position as the MCE. It also urged all Ghanaians to advocate for his removal due to the unacceptable nature of his statement.