KMA boss denies allegations

THE Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Maxwell Kofi Jumah, has denied allegations of working behind the scenes to cause the defeat of some incumbent assembly members opposed to his administration in the forthcoming district assembly elections.

A statement signed by Mr Jumah in Kumasi yesterday described the accusations as unfounded and calculated to cause disaffection against his being and management of the KMA.

“ These are vile attempts by those who were behind the recent attempted vote of no confidence intended to mobilise the rest of assembly members against me, “ it said.

The statement noted that for some weeks now, a number of elected members of the KMA, known to be key opponents and critics of Mr Jumah, have accused him on local radio stations of openly supporting other candidates in the elections. It said the only comment Mr Jumah has made publicly on the elections is the appeal to people of proven academic and social background, such as technocrats, lecturers, teachers and especially women, to offer themselves as candidates for the polls.

He said in making the appeal, “I have only been explaining that the inclusion of such people in the assembly would further enhance the quality of deliberations and policy formulation of the KMA which will translate into better service delivery for the benefit of the people”.

The statement said it is not possible for Mr Jumah to request the electorate to vote for certain candidates in the polls.

It said the decision to vote out or retain an incumbent assembly member depends on the electorate and not the chief executive.

According to the statement, Mr Jumah said the electorate themselves are convinced that they have to make informed choices and especially vote for candidates who can better articulate their concerns in the next assembly.