Kumasi Mayor Admits Overspending On Rattray Park Project

The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Kojo Bonsu has denied media reports that he has duped the assembly using the construction of the Rattray Park.

He however admits that he spent more than the budgeted amount for the construction of the ultra modern recreational centre which has become a major centre of controversy in recent times.

Some members of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) have petitioned the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament over what they described as misappropriation of funds by Mr. Kojo Bonsu in the construction of the facility and therefore demanded a thorough audit.

According to them, the Mayor’s expenditure on the Rattray Park far exceeds the approved budget by members of the assembly and insists he must be made to answer for his actions which they deem as unilateral.

Abraham Boadi, Assembly member for the Nhyiaeso Electoral Area, told journalists that only GH¢4.1 million was approved for recreational facility which was also agreed to be made available for free for residents and other patrons.

He however expressed shock that the mayor spent a whopping $4.4 million on the project exceeding the initial approved budget.

But in a sharp rebuttal, the spokesperson of the Chief Executive of the KMA, Samuel Gyamfi said the increase in the initial cost is a normal practice in public sector project development.

At a news conference in Kumasi, he urged the public to disregard the said claims adding that the allegations should be treated with the contempt they deserve.

“Their allegations are baseless, hallow and unfounded. The said assembly members have failed to adduce evidence and is a desperate attempt to soil my hard won reputation and distract me from bringing my vision of developing the Kumasi metropolis into action”, he observed

He also denied abandoning other priority projects in Kumasi indicating work on most of the said projects is ongoing.

“We are being accused of diverting funds and when you go to the projects sites we are alleged to have abandoned, you will see that work is ongoing. No one has diverted any money”, he concluded.

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