KMA Boss: I Won�t Reply Presiding Members� Insults

There have been calls for decorum and the use of decent language in the media for a while now. It is therefore refreshing to know that some leaders of the nation have resolved to use wholesome language in the media even if provoked. This was the case, when the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Chief Executive, Kojo Bonsu, granted an interview to Adom Fm on Monday, regarding what seemed to be a bitter dispute between himself and Nana Kofi Senya, a Presiding Member of the Assembly. Though Mr. Kojo Bonsu admitted to the fact that it is very difficult to decouple vilification and petty politicking from the main work of the assembly, he would endeavor to refrain from the use of foul language in all deliberations. �I think this job goes with insults. I had already thought of it before taking up the job. I am not going to go to the level of the Presiding Member by replying to the insults he hurled at me because I am preoccupied with the development of Kumasi,� he explained. His remark comes on the heels of the banning of Nana Kofi Senya by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Akwasi Oppong-Fosu from attending any official activity organized by the ministry. The ban follows alleged acts of insubordination and insulting behaviour the presiding member exhibited in public towards the Mayor in the full glare of the minister. Nana Senya is said to have refused to sign an official document relating to the release of the assembly�s share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for development projects in the metropolis when the MCE presented the documents to him for signing on the premises of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council. In the process, Mr. Oppong-Fosu said, he witnessed the presiding member pour out insulting words on the MCE. Nonetheless, the Mayor of Kumasi assured listeners of Adom FM on Monday that he would not respond to the insult on his person by Mr. Senya but would channel his energy towards raising the living standards of the people of Kumasi. Kojo Bonsu further extended an olive branch to Mr. Senya saying �if I have to talk to him in order to get the job done, I will do that because our misunderstanding should not make Kumasi suffer�.