The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has approved a compulsory occupancy bye-law, compelling every appointed and approved Metropolitan Chief Executive to reside in the official Mayor’s residence. This decision follows observations by Assembly Members that, over the years, successive chief executives have consistently failed to occupy the official residence, a situation that has left the state-owned facility abandoned, neglected, and in a rapid deterioration. The motion was moved by the Presiding Member of the Assembly, Patrick Kwame Frimpong, and unanimously approved by Members of the House. The bye-law was passed during the 2nd Ordinary Meeting of the 3rd Session of the 9th Assembly held at the Prempeh Assembly Hall. Under the new law, any Mayor who declines to reside in the official residence could face a vote of no confidence, potentially leading to his removal from office. The Assembly asserts that this is a necessary step to protect and preserve state property. The residence, a state asset, has been left to rot due to years of neglect and non-occupancy, with the building exhibiting significant deterioration, overgrown weeds, and several facilities broken down due to prolonged neglect. The Assembly’s rationale is that making it mandatory for Mayors to reside in the facility will ensure its proper maintenance and prevent further decay. Mr. Frimpong commended the current Mayor for residing in the official residence during his tenure, noting his decision to occupy the facility has played a crucial role in preserving it. He added that if not for the current Mayor’s intervention, the structure would have collapsed by now. “We had to take this decision to ensure that every Mayor occupies the residence in the future,” he stated. The Presiding Member added that beyond preserving the structure, the move will also promote accountability and ensure public resources are put to good use for the benefit of the Assembly and the people of Kumasi. The Mayor, Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi, welcomed the decision, describing it as timely and necessary to safeguard state property. He recounted how deplorable the residence was when he moved in, with the building left in a deteriorated state after years of abandonment, overgrown weeds taking over the compound, and several facilities broken down due to prolonged neglect. The meeting brought Assembly Members and technocrats together to deliberate on key issues including revenue, infrastructure, health, education, trade and social welfare. The Mayor presented the Authority Report, highlighting the Assembly’s achievements from January to June 2026 and key issues requiring attention. According to the report, the key issues confronting revenue mobilization, infrastructure development, sanitation management, market administration, transport regulation, education, security and social intervention programmes within the metropolis. The Mayor assured the House of his unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, discipline, and responsive leadership in discharging his responsibilities to the people of Kumasi. “It is my firm conviction that, through sustained collaboration and collective resolve, we shall build a cleaner, safer, more prosperous and more resilient metropolis for present and future generations,” he stated. He expressed gratitude to members and all stakeholders for their continuous support, cooperation, and invaluable contributions to the progress of the Assembly, and respectfully submitted the report for consideration and approval. The report was thoroughly discussed and approved by Members. The document was thoroughly reviewed and approved by the Assembly.”}”tags”: [
Watch Related Video
Source: Adom Online
