KMA boss denies assaulting MP

Nana Akwasi Agyeman, Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive, has denied beating up Dr Richard Winfred Anane, MP for Bantama and Mr Agyemang Pambour, Assembly Member for Santasi.

He said the assault claim made against him by the two is untrue, wicked, malicious and politically motivated adding that it is a fabrication to incite the people against him.

Nana Agyeman's denial was contained in a statement issued in Kumasi on Wednesday.

The KMA Chief Executive said since the case has been reported to the Police, it is only proper for the complainants to wait for Police investigations to be concluded.

He expressed his readiness to submit himself to the due process of the law, noting that "it is the courts that can establish the truth".

Nana Agyeman said he hoped Dr Anane and "his friends also believe in the rule of law", saying "I invite them to respect the competence of the Police to investigate the matter fully and put it before the court".

In another development, the Kumasi Young Traders Association and the Ashanti Veranda Boys and Girls Club have in a joint statement expressed support for Nana Agyeman.

They asked the government to ignore the call for the removal of the KMA Chief Executive by the Ashanti Parliamentary Caucus of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) since it is "politically motivated".

Meanwhile, the Minister of the Interior, Nii Okaija Adamafio, has invited Nana Akwasi Agyeman, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) to Accra in connection with the alleged assault on Dr Richard W. Anane, MP for Bantama and Mr Agyeman Pambour, Assemblyman for Santasi.

A statement by the Ashanti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) signed by Mr Joe D. Issachar of Regional Co-ordinating Council said nine "Machomen", suspected to have been involved in the alleged assault have been arrested and are helping the Police in their investigations.

It said Mr Yaw Adu-Gyimah, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, who confirmed this at a meeting of REGSEC in Kumasi on Wednesday said efforts were being made to arrest other suspected Machomen to assist in the investigations.

The statement reiterated the REGSEC's advice to the public, especially the organisers of a proposed demonstration on Thursday, to endeavour to remain calm and not to do anything that will disturb the peace in the Kumasi Metropolis.