Kumasi, Dec 30, GNA - Members of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) have elected Mr Kofi Senya, the assembly member for new Suame, as the new Presiding Member.

Mr Senya, a 47-year-old businessman, polled 63 votes to beat his only challenger, Mrs Vesta Adu Gyamfi, who polled 22 votes. He succeeds Dr Edward Prempeh who did not contest.

Speaking after the election Mr Maxwell Kofi Jumah, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, said the assembly had an opportunity for a new beginning.

He said the assembly needed peace and unity to promote development and called on the new administration to find a common ground to push the assembly forward.

Mr Jumah said residents of Kumasi expected much from the assembly and urged the members to put the past behind them and work hard to serve the interest of the residents.

He appealed for co-operation for the new administration to ensure smooth administration.

Mr Senya thanked members of the assembly for electing him and pledged to work with them to move the assembly forward.

He also called for co-operation from the members to enable the assembly take decisions that would benefit the interest of the people in the metropolis.