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Akwasi Agyeman Quits Politics for Good

Thu, 3 May 2001 Source: The Independent

Former Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Nana Akwasi Agyemang a.k.a. Okumkom after almost four months silence after the general election, has come out to state clearly that he is out of politics. He believes after 23 years service to the metropolitan assembly, it is high time he took a back stage to reflect on his achievements and short comings over the years which has been terrible especially in the latter part of the last decade.

Nana Akwasi Agyemang who was speaking to reporters however said, he will not refuse to offer advice to the New NPP government when the need arises adding that the (P)NDC has not been the only government he has served with all his heart. He was quick to add that he is not hidding behind the statement that he will offer advice to the government to lobby for any appointment in JAK's administration.

Nana Akwasi Agyemang who during the latter part of his career was appointed a special envoy to former President, Rawlings earned the name Okumkom due to his generosity to the poor but also gained notoriety for his aim of beating taxi drivers, harassing traders and putting fear into members of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA). The ex-Mayor also made headlines for an alleged embezzlement of funds at the KMA that is meant for developing the city.

Inside sources at the KMA say tools collected from traders and store operators that was meant for the coffers of the assembly was transported to NDC head- quarters for electioneering campaign. Akwasi Agyemang, who on the other hand earned the hatred of the people of Kumasi was booed at the Manhyia Palace when he went there to receive the President when Mr. Kufuor paid a visit to the garden city last two months. He was pelted with stones and it took the timely intervention of the police to save him.

Nana Akwasi Agyemang pleaded with the press to give him a breathing space now that he is out of the public domain. He described some of the publication about him to be personal attacks from the media.

He denied media reports that he was at a radio station on April Day's Fool when the station broadcast a statement from a man whose voice was taken for that of Rawlings. Although many NDC supporters in the metropolis where at the station to catch glimpse of their mentor, Akwasi Agyemang said he was not present at the station on the day in question.

He will however remain a friend to media personnel in Kumasi despite the bashing he received from them.

Source: The Independent