Kumasi, July 19, GNA - Madam Patricia Appiagyei, Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, has called for mutual respect, stronger partnership and consensus building among the various sectors in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA).

She noted that this would ensure peace and the speedy implementation of developmental plans for the metropolis. The Deputy Regional Minister said the complex nature of the functions of the assembly, called for a balance between the various sectors to minimise potential sources of conflict.

Madam Appiagyei made the call at the opening of a two-day capacity building workshop for members of the KMA and heads of departments and agencies under the Assembly in Kumasi, on Monday. The workshop organised by the KMA with technical support from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, was aimed at providing a forum for the participants to understand their roles and responsibilities.

It would also enable them to identify their strength and weaknesses and to build upon and harmonise their efforts for the rapid socio-economic development of the metropolis. Madam Appiagyei, who is also the acting Metropolitan Chief Executive, said KMA had spent its energy and resources on "in-fighting, bickering and confusion" at the expense of the development of the metropolis in the last 20 years. She expressed the hope that the workshop would help end "divisive tendencies and infighting" to enable them to understand fulfil KMA's organisational goals.

Mr Joe Appiah, Management and Development Consultant, who was a resource person, appealed to the assembly members to be conversant with the laws governing their operations to enable them to know their roles and responsibilities.

Nana Kofi Senya, Presiding Member of the Assembly, expressed that the workshop would help enhance the capacity of Members and urged them to take it seriously. 18 July 05