Accra, May 12, GNA - Mr. Daniel Okai, Chairman of the Odododiodioo constituency of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has commended members of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for endorsing Dr Alfred Oko Vanderpuije as the Metropolitan Chief Executive. In a congratulatory message he said by endorsing President Atta Mills' nominee in the first round of voting, the assembly showed its commitment to tackle the problems of the city in earnest. He also congratulated Dr Vanderpuije for getting the nod of the assembly.

Mr. Okai, a government appointee in the assembly, expressed optimism that with his confirmation, Dr Vanderpuije would settle down to initiate programmes to solve the city's problems including sanitation and environmental health, vehicular and human traffic especially in the Central Business District and other commercial areas, job creation and revenue generation.

He called for the support of the assembly, residents and all stakeholders for the new Mayor to propel the city from its present chaotic state to attract investors and tourists. Dr Vanderpuije, who was an educational administrator in the United States, obtained 86 votes out of the 88 assembly members present representing 97.7 per cent last Thursday.

Speaking after his endorsement the new Mayor of Accra stressed his determination to bring development to the doorsteps of residents. Before his confirmation the Assembly elected Mr. Desmond Addo Biney as the Presiding Member. Present at the election were Mr. Nii Armah Ashietey, Greater Accra Regional Minister and some Members of Parliament from the metropolis.