Kumasi Mayor, Richard Ofori Agyeman has strongly criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over their handling of the Adum fire issue, accusing them of acting improperly by donating cement directly to traders without involving the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) or the Ashanti Regional Minister.
In an interview with LuvFm, monitored by Kumasimail.com, Ofori Agyeman expressed frustration, questioning why the NPP would provide building materials to traders without coordinating with government authorities.
He emphasized that the buildings in question belong to the KMA or local traditional authorities, and such unilateral actions could encourage unauthorized reconstruction.
He said “The NPP is misbehaving in that area. Something has happened, and the Regional Minister and the President have not ignored it. We are doing everything humanly possible to ensure that, within the structure of the law, we will do what is right”
He added “Everyday every time you will hear one npp person going to them, donate cement to the people themselves without involving govt but the people don’t owe the land, the building belongs to KMA, some belongs to Acheamfour, some belongs to Nana Akwasi Agyeman so if a political party is donating cement to the victims what are you encouraging?”, he lamented.
The Mayor revealed that the Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene is currently compiling a comprehensive report on the Adum fire aftermath, which will be presented to the Assembly for careful deliberation.
“I have an idea of what we want to do for the traders, but until I see the report and it’s discussed by the Assembly, I cannot make any firm commitments,” he said. “I’m confident that very soon, we will take the right steps to support them.”
Regarding the current state of the Adum fire site, Ofori Agyeman clarified that no construction has begun.
He noted that traders are using large umbrellas to sell their goods temporarily. Again, he urged for some compassion, acknowledging the hardships faced by the traders, but warned against any attempts to erect permanent structures without authorization.
“If anybody erects a structure there, I will demolish it at night,” he declared.
Source: www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
