The former Metropolitan Chief Executive of Kumasi, Nana Akwasi Agyeman, otherwise named Okumkom, was very visible during President Kufour’s official visit to Ashanti recently.

Driving his own four-wheel vehicle, Okumkom meandered his way into the presidential convoy, and followed the President and his entourage every inch of the presidential tour. He was seen preceding the President for exchange of pleasantries with the people when the entourage arrived at he durbar grounds in many of the towns and villages visited. Dressed mostly in a white smock and wearing a trade-mark helmet, Nana Akwasi Agyeman continued to receive cheers from the crowd.

He was quick to find a seat for himself on the presidential dais, and made sure that he was given due recognition, and his presence acknowledged. The regional Minister, Hon. S.K. Boafo, who could not avoid the former KMA boss, was seen introducing Nana Akwasi alongside the presidential entourage. Certain people Daily Guide spoke to, expressed surprise that Okumkom has deserted his party, National Democratic Congress (NDC), to join forces with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Some observers could not explain why Nana Akwasi Agyeman has refused to remain in camp with the NDC. Others described him as political prostitute who should be avoided by government parties, while others contended the man was free to join any party to his choice. Okumkom did not seem to be worried by certain derogatory comments made about him by some people who noticed him during the tour.

It would be recalled that Nana Akwasi Agyeman tormented followers of the NPP when it was in opposition, and he was suspected to have organised a gang to beat up Dr. Richard Anane, MP for Bantama, and Minister of Roads and Transport. When the political tables turned in favour of the NPP after the 2000 election, Nana Akwasi denounced the NDC. He claimed President Kufour is his brother, while former President Rawlings is his friend, hence he has opted to assist his “brother’s” government to succeed. The claim by Okumkom attracted some criticisms, but he was not perturbed, nor distracted. “To say the least, this is a case of blood being thicker than water”, one observer remarked.