KMA Members Reject Ex-Gratia Awards

Members of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) have rejected the proposed ex gratia awards of between ?500,000 and ?600,000 fixed by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development for out-going Assemblymembers.

They are calling for an upward adjustment of the quantum fixed by the government last week.

The assembly members contend that the proposed amount is "grossly inadequate" and that they deserve a proper and fitting ex gratia award which commensurates the work of assembly members.

Taking into account the demanding nature of the work of assemblymembers, the ceiling of ?600,000 ex gratia award to members is too meager for the four year meritorious service to the Local Government system, an eight-point resolution adopted and passed on July 23 in Kumasi argued.

They are suggesting that the sector minister considers something in the range of ?2 million and ?5 million, according to a particular assembly's ability to pay.

It was argued that assemblymembers worked on the same lines as MPs but are not accorded same recognition as elected representatives of the people.

They said it is only when their request for an upward adjustment is considered that the assembly concept can thrive as against the slow death of the unit committee concept for lack of enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, the KMA has reviewed imposition of rates for 2002 in response to appeals by traders and market women.

The rates have generally been reduced by between 30% and 50%.

According to the Presiding Member, Nana Nsiah Awuah, who disclosed the reviewed fee fixing resolution, the new reduced rates would become operational as soon as the sector minister had given his approval.

Nana Awuah, who is the assemblyman for Dadiesoaba electoral area, appealed to residents to pay rates, fees, levies and other forms of charges promptly to ensure development of the metropolis.

The Chronicle has, however, gathered that by the drastic reduction of the rates, KMA's revenue would be affected by ?4 billion at the expense of proper development.