The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly is in the process of amending its bye-laws. Officials say the existing bye-laws, which were last amended some 16 years ago, have lost their usefulness and enforcement is almost impossible. The assembly hopes to enact new laws that will last for at least ten years, particularly on property rates, waste collection and revenue mobilization. Existing bye-laws of the KMA were amended in 1995. Officials believe some sanctions prescribed in the laws are no longer deterring enough to regulate behaviour. Speaking at a workshop to commence the review process, law lecturer at the KNUST and project consultant, Chris Adomako-Kwakye, bemoaned the existing bye-laws in the city. He said the legislative framework lacks dispute resolution, monitoring and evaluation as well as accountability for sustainability. According to him, “most laws fail to empower implementing agencies while the agencies also fail to act" as a result of the lack of proper role definitions. Thus he said, agencies' inability to act contributes to the social problem propelling them to become role occupants. Clement Kigeri, spokesperson for the Metro Chief Executive, told Nhyira FM the review provides an opportunity to the assembly to strengthen its structures. He insisted that existing laws have lost their usefulness. “You will notice that you have bye-laws that for example prescribe punishment where the offender will have to pay a fee of 200,000 or 10,000 old Ghana cedis. This is not deterrent enough. The person will have the capacity to pay about three or four times so if the person is engaged in the commission of a crime or offense, the person is not deterred”. Story by: Ohemeng Tawiah, Nhyira Fm-Kumasi, Ghana