Kojo Bonsu Confirmed Mayor of Kumasi
Mr. Kojo Bonsu, a native of Offinso in the Ashanti Region, polled 95 votes representing 73% of the total 130 votes cast to win the two-thirds majority of the house. This was after a rather successful Presiding Member's election which saw Hon. Kofi Senya, Assembly member for New Suame electoral area, elected as the new PM after the second round of voting.
In his acceptance speech,the 54 year old former Managing Director of Ghana Oil Company Ltd (GOIL) was particularly thankful to His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama for the opportunity given him. He assured the people of Kumasi of his commitment to collaborate with stakeholders in transforming Kumasi to a vibrant and industrious city.
On sanitation, the newly endorsed Mayor, promised to control the rate at which filth is being generated in the city "to return Kumasi to its Krabewhe (past glory) status" he said. He intimated that as an operations person, he is going to institute plans to curb issues relating to waste generation to its barest minimum in the shortest possible time.
He also pledged to co-operate and collaborate with the security agencies to enhance the mutual goal of drastically reducing inner city crime and a more grievous crime of armed robbery in the suburbs.
Later at a press briefing, the Mayor promised to strengthen his relationship with the media in the region in order to facilitate the implementation of the Assembly's policies and programmes.
Reacting to the question of being over ambitious with promises, Mr. Kojo Bonsu reiterated his commitment and readiness to live up to the task ahead and gave a strong indication to bring vibrancy into his administration.
He promised to transform the Kumasi airport into an international airport.
Present at the programme were the Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Samuel Adusei, the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Samuel Sarpong, the former Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Kwaku Agyemang Mensah, Nana Baafuo Osei Asibey II Member of the Council of State, some members of parliament, members from the two political divide (NDC & NPP) as well as some traditional leaders.
The central Regional Minister and former Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Samuel Sarpong expressed gratitude to members for their unflinching support during his tenure and called on members to extend same to the newMayor.