By Elizabeth Larkwor Baah
Tema, April 16, GNA - The Reverend Ebenezer Ayer, the Head Pastor, Priesthood Worship Centre (PWC) Assemblies of God, Tema Community Six, has expressed concern over a recent statement made by Mr Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, the newly confirmed Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Kumasi.
The MCE, addressing the issue of street trading and congestion in the city, suggested that traders who failed to leave the pavements would be forcibly removed and even beaten.
Rev. Ayer, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), described the remarks as inappropriate and unfortunate, particularly because many of the traders affected were women who relied on street vending to support their families, emphasising the need for leadership that promoted peace, inclusion, and respect for human dignity.
“Most of the traders there are women; women dominate the informal economy, particularly in urban areas. Market traders, street vendors, artisans, and domestic workers drive most of the economic activity in cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Accra.
Although these roles are often under-regulated, they provide essential goods and services and support countless households,” he said.
Rev. Ayer called for a more constructive and inclusive approach to resolving the long-standing issue of street trading in Kumasi, saying that many of these traders were not there by choice but out of economic necessity.
He urged the city authorities to engage the affected traders, listen to their concerns, and explore alternative arrangements that would benefit both the traders and the public.
Meanwhile, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has announced a two-week grace period for traders to voluntarily vacate the pavements, noting that after the deadline, it would take action to decongest the area.
GNA
LS/CAA