Akwasi Agyeman in hot waters as KMA petitioners stand by their decision

Kumasi (Ashanti Region) 10th June '99

Forty-six members of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) who have petitioned President J.J. Rawlings that they can no longer work with Nana Akwasi Agyemang, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, say they still stand by their decision.

They said they have had enough of the Metropolitan Chief Executive but they are prepared to serve the people of Kumasi who voted them to the assembly.

The assembly members affirmed their stand at a press conference in Kumasi on Tuesday to address issues emanating from their resolution of no confidence in the Metropolitan Chief Executive.

Mr Ishmael Buttler, their spokesman said none of the 46 elected members signed the resolution under duress, as was being alleged by Mr Kwame Boateng alias "Apegee", a government appointee.

Mr Buttler said they all signed the resolution out of their own free will.

He said time and again the Metro Chief Executive has administered the KMA as if the Metropolis is his personal organisation, adding that this is evidenced by the way things are done in Kumasi.

Mr Buttler said under the Local Government law and Standing Orders of district assemblies, a Metro Chief Executive can be removed either by the President or by a resolution of the assembly.

He said they have served a notice to the Presiding Member asking him to convene an urgent meeting within seven days as stipulated by the standing orders and warned that if he fails to act positively to their request, they will advise themselves.

He therefore appealed to President Rawlings to act on their petition as quickly as possible since there is a big division at the KMA, which is retarding business in the metropolis.