Sammy Gyamfi, spokesperson for a former Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Area (KMA), Kojo Bonsu, has indicated that his boss deserves praise, rather than condemnation, for setting up the Rattray Park.
Some critics have said the project cost was inflated and an audit will establish the true cost of the park. Osei Assibey Antwi, the new Chief Executive, has indicated that a total of US$1,267,241.00 was spent on the tourist site but Mr Gyamfi does not agree.
He explained that an initial $4.4m was budgeted by technical experts but the KMA only spent $1.2m, which deserves praise.
“It is important to note that what has been paid so far [GHS5m] is lower than what was budgeted for the project [GHS5.3m]. Now the question is, is it a crime to spend less than the estimated and budgeted cost of a project? Shouldn't that rather be a positive achievement?” he questioned.
Below is the full statement:
COST OF RATTRAY PARK
The former mayor confirms the figures put out by Hon. Assibey as accurate and precise. But he is surprised that he is being attacked and criticised over an issue that he must be commended for. He says the commentary on this issue is sad as many who have spoken about the issue do not appreciate the facts of the issue.
He states that the technical experts for the project somewhere in 2013 estimated an amount of $4.4m at the time the dollar to cedi rate was about two cedis as the estimated cost of the project and that the estimate of $4.4m included the cost of the land which the project is currently sitting on. The land was eventually gotten for free. And this coupled with other factors made the project cheaper.
This estimate notwithstanding, the assembly, due to the constraints of resources only budgeted a commutative amount of about 5.3 million cedis ($1.2m) for the period between 2013 and 2016 in various budgets and under various sources of funding for the project.
However, in actual fact, the assembly has as at now paid an amount of about five million cedis for the project with few outstanding debts.
It is important to note that what has been paid so far (GHS5m) is lower than what was budgeted for the project (GHS5.3m). Now the question is, is it a crime to spend less than the estimated and budgeted cost of a project?? Shouldn't that rather be a positive achievement?
He states that Rattray Park is not only a recreational and tourist destination for many who visit Kumasi now, but is also one of the biggest sources of IGF for KMA. Proceeds from the park alone stand at about 2.3m cedis in only a period of two years and that is a vindication of the bold step he took in undertaking this historic project.
SAMMY GYAMFI SPOKESPERSON TO MR. KOJO BONSU- FORMER MAYOR OF KUMASI
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