Kumasi, Dec 28, GNA - Members of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved the nomination of Madam Patricia Appiagyei as the new Metropolitan Chief Executive. At a meeting in Kumasi, 81 out of the 83 members present voted in favour to confirm Madam Appiagyei as the first female Metropolitan Chief Executive. Madam Appiagyei, who was the Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, also acted as the KMA Chief Executive for some time, before the President nominated her on December 13, this year for the position.

Speaking at the function, Mr. Kofi Opoku Adusei, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development (MLRD), thanked the members of the assembly for the approval. He said the overwhelming support indicated the confidence the members had in the nominee and a proof to the President that, she was the right choice. Mr. Adusei advised the new MCE to reflect soberly on the onerous task placed on her shoulders and work hard to prove her worth. He urged her to be impartial, transparent and live above reproach, adding that, she should ensure that, peace prevailed in the metropolis and improve revenue mobilisation for the speedy development. Mr. Adusei said the government had contracted 53.6 billion cedis loan from the African Development Bank (ADB) to construct drains on the Aboabo stream and upgrade infrastructure in some communities in the metropolis.

Twelve billion cedis have also been earmarked for the rehabilitation of some satellite markets in the metropolis to rid the streets of hawkers. He reminded the assembly members of their duties and obligations and urged them to work as a team to ensure the people benefited from the funds. Mr Adusei said government would continue to support district assemblies in the areas of waste collection and management and therefore appealed to the KMA to enforce its bye-laws on sanitation and find ways of generating funds to support waste management in the metropolis. Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister urged the assembly members to put the past behind them and work as a team to promote the speedy development of the metropolis. He said the absence of substantive MCE had affected the development of the metropolis and urged the members to avoid petty squabbles and bickering and work together to ensure peace and development in Kumasi.

Madam Appiagyei, on her part thanked the members for the confidence reposed in her. She said her confirmation as the first female MCE marked a milestone in the history of the assembly and appealed to the members to avoid divisions and squabbles that often impeded progress and speedy development. Madam Appiagyei pledged to work with respect and diligence and involve all members of the assembly in administration. Nana Kofi Senyah, the Presiding Member of the assembly commended the members for showing maturity and supported the President's nominee and pledged that all the members would work with her to promote the development of the metropolis. Among the dignitaries present were Mr Albert Kan-Dapaah, Minister of Communications, Mr Agyei Yeboah, Deputy Minister of Lands, Mines and Forestry, some Members of Parliament and District Chief Executives from the Ashanti Region.