Frank Mensah, Kumasi
6 July 2009
IN A way of showing that he will be a father for all, Mr. Samuel Sarpong, the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Kumasi last Friday joined the Muslim brothers to worship at the Kumasi Central mosque.
He was accompanied by some Assembly members and other executives of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), as well as the Presiding Member (PM) of the Assembly, Nana Kofi Senyah.
Alhaji Amadu Ibrahim, the chief of Wangara, reminded the MCE that the KMA seat is one of the hottest seats in the country, and for that matter he should seek for Allah's guidance whenever he is making any decision.
He also asked the KMA boss to pay critical attention to the youth in the metropolis, especially Muslims, since they are the future leaders.
He pointed out that most Muslim youth were unemployed and for that matter indulged themselves in unscrupulous practices. He then called on the Mayor to help curb that predicament which would prepare a better future for the children.
Mr. Sarpong asked the gathering to channel their problems through their Assembly members and also promised them that he would bring governance "to the door step of the people".
He also said he would make it a priority for children in the metropolis to go to school and also make sure the youth get employment, and further disclosed that the Assembly was preparing a budget which will meet the need of everyone in the metropolis.
Sheikh Abdul Mumuni Alrun, deputy Ashanti Regional Chief Imam thanked the MCE for worshipping with them and prayed for Allah's guidance and wisdom for him.
The KMA boss, after praying with the Muslims, then visited the Kumasi Central Market, where the traders, mostly women, had abandoned their products and could not control their excitement in seeing the KMA boss at the market to interact with them.
Mr. Sarpong visited the local abattoir at the market, also known as "Nankwansere", where the chief butcher, Sani Mohammed extolled him for being the first mayor to visit them in the market.
He also pledged his support to the Assembly and asked the KMA to come to their aid when the need arises. Madam Yaa Fowaa, the queen mother of yam Sellers in the market was also excited of the MCE's move and also promised her support to the mayor to make his reign a success.
Mr. Sarpong unveiled that his plan of visiting the Central market was to introduce himself to the traders and also assure them that he would work hand in hand with them.
He further revealed that a contract has been signed with a company to construct an ultra modern market which will have a car park, a Day-care centre, hospital and access road for fire fighters in case of any outbreak of fire. He said most people do not believe that the market can be rebuilt, since past governments had paid lip service to their promise to construct a new market.
The MCE disclosed that work on the construction of the ultra modern market would begin in August, and reiterated that those who were affected by the May 28 fire outbreak would be given the first priority after its completion.
Mr. Sarpong also asked the affected victims of the fire outbreak to comply with the KMA to relocate them to other temporary markets, until the new market is built.
He again mentioned that KMA will not stop collecting revenue from the traders while the reconstruction of the market goes on.
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