KMA to sanction appointed Mayors who decline to occupy official residence

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has enacted a new by-law that will compel all appointed and approved Mayors to occupy the official Mayor's residence at No. 7 Ellis Avenue in Kumasi. This decision was made during the 2nd Ordinary Meeting of the 3rd Session of the 9th Assembly and was unanimously approved by the members of the Assembly.

The by-law was driven by the realisation that successive Mayors have consistently neglected the state-owned facility, allowing it to deteriorate over the years. The new bye-law stipulates that a Mayor who refuses to reside in the official residence could face a vote of no confidence and potentially be removed from office when the law is implemented.

The Presiding Member of the Assembly, Patrick Kwame Frimpong, emphasized that making the residence mandatory would help preserve and protect state property, as it had been left to deteriorate due to years of non-occupancy. Frimpong also commended the current Mayor, Richard Ofori-Agyemang Boadi, for residing in the official residence, which he believes has contributed to its preservation.

The decision has been welcomed by the Mayor, who described it as timely and necessary to safeguard state property and ensure its proper maintenance for the benefit of the Assembly and the people of Kumasi.