KMA in Crisis Meeting

...Aggrieved members to push case<

THE KUMASI Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) is to meet on March 27 and 28 to deliberate on reasons why a third of the 86-member Assembly recently brought the heat to bear on the Metro Chief Executive, Mr. Maxwell Kofi Jumah.

The 30 Assembly members had threatened to meet last March 4, 2002 to pass a vote of no confidence in Jumah.

They could, however, not carry out their threat because of the timely intervention of the Minister of Local Government, Mr. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, which intervention called off the intended meeting for the resolution of vote of no confidence.

A memorandum of understanding was signed on February 28 at a joint meeting of the Minister, Regional Minister S. K. Boafo, the MCE, the Presiding Member and the aggrieved Assembly members to that effect.

The March 27 meeting, according to an official spokesman of KMA, is to discuss in detail conditions set out by the 30 aggrieved members as a demand on which to compromise their stand against the mayor.

Among the allegations which sparked off the impasse are that the mayor had unilaterally refused to work with the Legislative Instrument governing the running of the Assembly.

According to them, the mayor claimed that the L.I. 1614 was full of mistakes and, therefore, in conflict with his aspirations.

To ensure a healthy co-existence, the Assembly members had asked that the mayor worked with the L.I and also allow sub-metro councils to collect and retain 50% of all revenue in their area of authority in accordance with Part 2, Section 26 and 27 of the L.I.

They also called for the abolition of the Transport Committee and the Traffic Task Force which was accused of using excessive force in its operations.

The Assembly members also called for the withdrawal of all attach?s from KMA operations.

It was also recommended that the towing of vehicles must be stopped and accounts of the previous operation rendered to the Assembly while KMA takes steps to engage a 24-hour towing service.

The members also wanted the KMA boss to abrogate unilateral decisions in respect of the Kejetia Terminal, Adehyeman Gardens and Fox Trap because they would want the full Assembly to be part of all negotiations and decisions.

They also called for the review of an agreement between the Assembly and one Stanley Owusu (a waste management contractor) for the approval of the Assembly.

Among others, the Assembly members also wanted all long serving personnel at KMA due for transfer to be released without further delay to enhance efficiency.

Accusing the MCE of "Divide-and-Rule" tactics, the 30 Assembly members called on MCE Jumah to reconcile with his staff, particularly the Metro Co-ordinating Director, Mr. Essandoh.

The alleged excessive increment in rates, fines and taxes must be reviewed to alleviate untold hardship and suffering of the people, they stressed.

Chronicle has learnt, however, that some of the conditions have already been met.

While some of the grievances bordered on technicalities and pure administration, others seem 'mere' charges and that the 30 Assembly members have no serious case against Jumah, the KMA mouthpiece explained.

The Task Force has been disbanded and that KMA is about to recruit new members for screening to constitute a proper and acceptable task force.

The services of Mr. Kwabena Marfo, as a volunteer on the Task Force, have been withdrawn.

Meanwhile, the Race Course Traders Association have commended the mayor of Kumasi for his achievements so far, in transforming the city of Kumasi.

According to the traders, Jumah had instilled discipline among revenue collectors at the Central Market towards the traders.

Mr. Isaac Buabeng, general secretary of the association wished Jumah be allowed to stay in office to accomplish the good work he has already embarked upon.