Kojo Bonsu Must Remove His Billboards

The name Kojo Bonsu has never rang a bell in the minds of the people of the Ashanti Region. Indeed, those who were so close to the power corridors of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) knew little about him, and the uproar that greeted his nomination as the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), from even within the party would add credence to my claim. However, upon his nomination and subsequent confirmation by the Assembly, the people in the Kumasi metropolis would attest to the fact that Hon Kojo Bonsu is certainly fighting for undue attention, and with this has succeeded in erecting billboards at principal points in the city. No one needs to be told that the cost of the giant-screaming billboards which the Assembly charges so much money for company is so heavy, it is really denying them revenue. The last time I checked, it was whispered into my hearing that the cost of the billboards was borne by his supporters. But, whether it was financed by your so-called supporters or friends or yourself, you must be told in plain language that the whole exercise smacks of an ostentatious lifestyle, which must be condemned by every patriot. Mr. Mayor, you could have stopped them to use the money to invest in other things that could drift you into an inspirational start into office. I think you do not need to be reminded of the scores of social, economic and other challenges facing us as a people, which must be of priority to your office. The cost of these billboards could have been used to save a dilapidated school block from collapse, used to purchase computers to one of these deprived schools, or used to pay school fees of some of the needy but brilliant students as is being championed by Otumfuo. I am of the view that if this was done right, it could have given your leadership a remarkable start, but judging from your arrogant start, I am afraid you may end as a failure by the time your tenure ends, or you are sacked from office. It has never happened in the history of KMA top post where a Chief Executive Officer has taken this decision. Even the famous Nana Akwasi Agyeman, who was a royal to the Golden Stool and served a long term as KMA Boss, did not eulogize himself as you have started. I think, as an Ashanti, you know Kumasi belongs to the royals of Manhyia, and this should have been done with the permission and direction by Otumfuo Osei Tutu 11. But I wonder if you sought to do that. The Mayor of London, King Livingston of the Labour Party, would not be allowed by the Queen to do this over there, and so whoever advised you to do this to enhance your image, did more harm to you than good. And talking of the Mayor of London reminds me of how I personally introduced the Mayor to a former KMA Chief Executive, Kofi Juma, to team up with him for advice and other assistance. I want to assure you that I am ever ready to do same, so that Kumasi could be restored with its former status as the Garden City of West Africa. As a Mayor, Mr. Kojo Bonsu can take upon himself to seek similar partnership from other international mayors to champion the sister-city collaborations. This can go a long way to provide opportunities for the people in the metropolis. The roads situation, education, construction and other amenities are all lagging in the Metropolis, and the earlier you reserve some time on how to reposition the city would win you more credible laurels rather than personal aggrandisement in the name of billboards construction to extol yourself. I finally want to admonish you to, as a matter of respect to the people of the Kumasi metropolis, and Otumfuo in particular, remove the billboards. The space on the billboards could, instead, be used for other commercial ventures to help raise revenue for the Assembly�s numerous projects. It is better you put forward your plans for the metropolis, because at the end of your tenure, your achievements would rather immortalise you more than these billboards. Indeed, it shall not live to the end to attest to your contribution to the metropolis, when most of the current generation would be gone by then. A word to the wise is enough. *The author was the Chairman of the Ghana Democratic Movement in London in the heady days of the Provisional National Defence Council, the military junta headed by Jerry John Rawlings