Minister unapologetic after comparing Kumasi traders to goats

Ashanti Region Minister Simon Osei Mensah has stated that he is unapologetic about comments he made, likening the attitude of traders in Kumasi to that of goats.

He maintains that he would use that simile again if the traders do not change.

At the pre-launching of ‘Keeping Kumasi Clean and Green Project’ by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) on Tuesday, Mr. Osei Mensah, who was guest speaker, is quoted as saying, “Some people behave like goats and they needed to be whipped with canes before they will vacate from selling on street and several unauthorized places”.

The Minister’s comments did not seem to go down well with some of the traders, some of whom have misinterpreted same as an insult.

But Mr. Osei Mensah on Onua FM’s Yen Nsem Pa on Wednesday hit back at critics, explaining his comments were grounded in an Akan adage that likens recalcitrant behaviour of people to that of goats.

In his view, he finds nothing wrong with his comments.

He dismissed allegations that he advised traders in Kumasi to sell cocaine.

According to him, he didn’t advise the traders to sell cocaine but rather explained that the laws in Ghana don’t permit cocaine trade regardless one’s reason, same way traders cannot use poverty as an excuse to sell at unauthorized places.

He reiterated selling on the streets is just as illegal as selling cocaine.

Mr. Osei Mensah admonished that selling on the street is very dangerous and traders must desist from it because they may be victims of accidents.