Shortlisted candidates for the Chief Executive Officer of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly are expected to go through vetting for the position.

Whoever comes top in the race is crucial to residents, who have high expectations in the restoration of Kumasi’s accolade as the Garden City of West Africa.

Three persons were shortlisted for the vetting, including former MCE for Obuasi, Richard Ofori Agyemang, former DCE for Atwima Nwabiagya South, Nana Asare Bediako and Martin Asamoah Atuahene.

Even before the vetting, some NDC supporters in the Atwima Nwabiagya District are rooting for Nana Asare Bediako.

The spokesperson for the group, Yusif Basit explains “the candidate has been instrumental in the party’s victory in the Ashanti Region. He has held the party together for about seven years, we can attest to his competence as well”.

The role of Nana Asare Bediako in NDC’s victory

As part of strategies for election 2024, the NDC divided the Ashanti Region into zones to ease campaigning and election monitoring.

Leadership of Zone Seven, included Nana Asare Bediako, with the task to supervise constituencies in the Atwima Nwabiagya enclave.

For the first time, the party won the Ahafo Ano South East Constituency which was under the Atwima and Ahafo Zone, where he served as Security Coordinator for the NDC campaign team.

According to the party supporters, Nana Bediako played a critical role in financing and resourcing of the party when the NDC was in opposition.

Mr. Yusif Basit, speaking on the candidate’s dedication emphasized “the aspirant donated a pick-up truck to the party. This vehicle for about eight years was used for all party events in this area. He even branded his private car with NDC colors and we also resorted to it sometimes”.

“He was on the grounds with us, we campaigned everywhere with him and went to all communities with him. He did a lot of party communications too”, he added.

Competence

To the party supporters, the candidate’s competence is not in doubt. According to them, as the District Chief Executive for the Atwima Nwabiagya District, their candidate ensured government policies were implemented.

They point to the execution of the Afari Military Hospital which is near completion as a project well executed.

Other projects include the proper organization of markets in the district when he served as Chief Executive.

“Beyond the DCE role he played, Nana Asare Bediako ensured the party was held together. He played every role that was given him and ensured these things were well executed. It should prove that he is competent for the role”, Mr. Basit emphasized.

Regard for Traditional Authority

Though the traditional authority has never shown public support for any appointee, it is believed the political parties always seek the nod for key nominees in the Ashanti region.

Due to the respect for culture and tradition, persons appointed for key roles in the region are expected to have respect for the authority.

To the party people, Nana Asare Bediako has demonstrated regard for the traditional authority serving chiefs in the Atwima Nwabiagya enclave.

Kumasi's challenges

The slow pace of development in the Kumasi Metropolis remains a worry to indigenes of the Ashanti region.

Aside from delays in the completion of developmental projects, the Central Business District continues to struggle with filth and congestion.

Successive metropolitan chief executives have failed to deal with poor handling of refuse at the CBD and other trade hubs.

Though various strategies were adopted by past administrators, the investment is yet to be reflected in the city.

Congestion at Adum and other areas of the CBD will be a huge task for Mr. Sam Pyne's successor.

A gradual decongestion of vehicles operating within the congested areas failed after tricycles were banned from the CBD.

Traders continue to take over pavements and streets, limiting space for pedestrians to go about their activities.

The second phase of the Kejetia Market has also progressed slowly despite assurances to be completed in time.