John Darko, Member of Parliament for the Suame constituency, has called on political parties and the general public to refrain from politicizing the efforts of city mayors to decongest major urban centers across Ghana.
Darko’s appeal comes in the wake of widespread criticism directed at the Mayor of Kumasi, following the mayor’s recent proposal to introduce corporal punishment for traders who occupy pavements in the city’s central business district.
Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV, monitored by Kumasimail.com, Darko expressed concern over the persistent politicization of urban sanitation and decongestion measures.
The lawmaker lamented that political parties often undermine each other’s efforts to maintain order in cities, depending on which party is in power.
“We need to stop politicizing these things. If you want to clean up the city, let’s allow the mayor to do that. It’s sad when the NPP is in power and tries to clean up our cities, whether Accra or Kumasi, the NDC will go and support the hawkers. And vice versa, if the NDC is in power. That is why our cities are choked and dirty,” Darko stated.
He further noted that the politicization of decongestion initiatives has contributed to the current state of congestion and unsanitary conditions in major cities, making some areas nearly inaccessible even to residents.
“I don’t remember the last time I went to Accra. In fact, until there was a recent fire in Kumasi that required me to go there, I had not been to that part of Kumasi for about 20 years, even though I live in the city. The area is so congested that you simply cannot go there”.
Darko urged all stakeholders to “depoliticize this issue and allow the mayors to bring some sanity into our cities,” emphasizing that effective urban management requires collective support rather than partisan interference.
Source: www.kumasimail.com / Kwadwo Owusu
