K`si Mayor calls for strengthened local governance

THE NEWLY-appointed Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Mr. Samuel Sarpong, has called on the assembly members to strengthen local governance, by renewing their commitment to unite the metropolis.

He wants this done in a manner that would reflect selfless service, and not self adulation.

In a pre-election exercise, which confirmed his appointment last Friday, Mr. Sarpong gave the assurance that with the open, honest and transparent mandate of the assembly members, his administration, with the co-operation of the technical men and well meaning residents, would be able to build a better Kumasi.

He pledged to work and redeem the image of the KMA, and strengthen the confidence of the people.

The new Mayor has identified major challenges facing the KMA, notable among them being security, sanitation, congestion in the Central Business District of Adum, and the Local Government structures, namely Sub-Metro Councils, Town and Area councils, unit committees, as well as revenue generation.

Mr. Sarpong was aware that Rome was not built in a day, but gave the firm assurance that with togetherness, unity of purpose and dedication, transparency and harmony, the new Assembly would work to quicken the pace of development.

In his remarks, the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Kofi Poku Manu, urged the members to contribute to the development of the metropolis on non-partisan lines, reminding them of the Assembly's main focus of ensuring the rapid development of the metropolis for the benefit of the residents.

Nana Kofi Senyah, the Presiding Member, cautioned the new MCE to see himself as a servant, and not lord it upon the people who bestowed confidence in him to lead the Assembly.

On behalf of the august house, the Presiding Member pledged their co-operation for the orderly development of Kumasi.