Kojo Bonsu
After several failed attempts, including apologies to save his job, Kojo Bonsu has finally succumbed to immense pressure by the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) as he tendered in his resignation letter as the Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Tuesday afternoon.
His resignation was triggered by enormous pressure by the Kumasi chiefs, who had done everything possible, including a ritual sacrifice of a sheep, to see Kojo Bonsu – whom they accused of gross insubordination – out of office.
Not even the intervention of President John Mahama could save him, as the chiefs flatly told the president to look for a new job for his ‘darling’ appointee outside Kumasi.
Resignation Letter
Kojo Bonsu, in a concise resignation letter, expressed his profound gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for giving him the chance to serve the people of Kumasi, disclosing that he had duly sent a copy of his resignation letter to the presidency.
He promised to continually play leading roles to ensure the re-election of President Mahama in the upcoming presidential election, saying “I wish the government well and I will continue to give off my best to ensure the re-election of President Mahama in the upcoming elections.”
Mr Kojo Bonsu also expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the chiefs in Asanteman, especially the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for their support, which he claimed contributed immensely to making his tenure as Kumasi Mayor – which lasted less than four years – a huge success.
The embattled mayor, who had lately been pressurized by the chiefs to resign, was happy and delighted about the peaceful environment and massive developmental transformation that had taken place in Kumasi under his watch.
Minister Takes Over
Snippets of information coming from the corridors of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government indicated that the Ashanti Regional Minister, John Alexander Ackon, would add the KMA chief executive portfolio to his work, at least till the time of the elections.
Speculations indicated that some known NDC bigwigs in Kumasi are seriously lobbying for the juicy position.
Chiefs’ Pressure
The chiefs, at a crunch meeting at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi – the official seat of the Asantehene – a week ago, preferred six charges against Mr Kojo Bonsu, with the main charge being that he had continually displayed acts of disrespect towards the chiefs.
The angry Asante chiefs, led by the Asafohene, Acheamfuor Kwame Akowuah, who represented the Asantehene at the meeting, said a sheep had been slaughtered to signify that they didn’t want Kojo Bonsu as mayor again.
Ultimatum
The chiefs, at another crunch meeting at the palace on Monday, gave a one-week ultimatum to President Mahama to sack Kojo Bonsu and replace him with another person, who would give due respect to the them.
Acheamfuor Kwame Akowuah stated that the chiefs’ decision to get Kojo Bonsu out was irreversible, charging the president to choose between them (chiefs) and Mr Bonsu.
Some of the chiefs even threatened to walk to the KMA office at Adum and sack him from office, if he remained in office by the time the one-week ultimatum period was over.
Drama
Meanwhile, there was drama at the Miklin Hotel in Kumasi minutes before Kojo Bonsu’s resignation letter was released to the media yesterday afternoon.
Frankie Ossei Assibey, a brother of Kojo Bonsu, caused a stir during the launch of a book containing Kojo Bonsu’s achievements as mayor.
From nowhere, Mr. Ossei Assibey, who looked extremely angry, stormed the venue, moved straight to the dais where dignitaries were seated and snatched a sheet of paper that was in front of his brother, after which, in an angry tone, ordered him (Kojo Bonsu) to follow him out of the venue.
The embattled mayor, who was composed, refused to follow Mr. Ossei Assibey.
It was rumoured that the seized papers were the resignation letters which Mr Bonsu wanted to read to the media.
From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi