Members of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) on Tuesday confirmed the President’s nominee Mr Kojo Bonsu as the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE).

He polled 95 votes, representing 73 per cent of the 130 total votes cast to secure the nod. Thirty four (34) members of the assembly dissented and there was one spoilt ballot.

Earlier the assembly had also elected Nana Kofi Senya, Assemblyman for New Suame as its Presiding Member (PM). He polled 95 votes after two rounds of voting to beat off the challenge by, Mr Michael Adusei Bonsu, assemblyman for Dadiesoaba, who had 35 votes.

The election, supervised by the Ashanti Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mr Samuel Tetteh, was peaceful. Mr Bonsu, speaking after the approval of his nomination, thanked the President and the assembly for the opportunity to serve the people.

He pledged an open door policy and all inclusive governance, saying that, Kumasi needed the effort and support of all stakeholders to tackle its myriad of challenges. Sanitation and security would be his main priority and he gave the assurance that the “people will see a different Kumasi in the next three months” of his administration.

He also pledged to upgrade the status of the Kumasi Airport into an international one “to attract businessmen and tourists to open up Kumasi to the international world, restore its past vibrancy and to reclaim its past glory.” The new Mayor said he would additionally encourage investment and rekindle business activities to rejuvenate the economy of the city.

He called on the assembly members and all stakeholders to support him to achieve his vision.