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Former Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, has dismissed claims that he deliberately neglected state facilities under his watch.
A video circulating on social media accuses him of abandoning critical infrastructure such as the Presidential Villa and the Regional Minister’s Bungalow to deteriorate. However, Osei-Mensah has described the claims as “misleading” and has outlined the efforts he made during his tenure to address inherited challenges at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC).
“When I assumed office in February 2017, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council was in a dire state. The Council was burdened with a debt overhang exceeding GH¢1.5 million, accounts in deficit, and essential suppliers refusing to provide services. Even basic office supplies like A4 sheets and toner were unavailable,” Osei-Mensah explained in a statement copied to dailymailgh.com.
To stabilize the situation, the former minister disclosed that he personally financed the ARCC’s operations for six months until the District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DACF) was released.
“I had to ensure that the Council continued to function. For months, I used my personal resources to buy office supplies and fuel, while introducing strict financial controls to manage our limited resources effectively. Almost all the buildings at the Residency were in a deplorable state. The Presidential Villa and Regional Minister’s Bungalow were uninhabitable when I took office. The summer hut attached to the bungalow had collapsed, and the area was overgrown with weeds,” he noted.
To tackle these issues, Osei-Mensah said he used over GH¢50,000 of his personal funds to renovate a state lodge at Nhyaeso, which served as his accommodation throughout his tenure. Additionally, the Yaa Asantewaa Lodge was refurbished with support from central government funds, although the GH¢413,168.73 released fell significantly short of the approved GH¢6 million budget.
Highlighting his achievements, Osei-Mensah said: “During my time, we replaced obsolete office furniture and equipment, renovated the administration block, and initiated the construction of a six-story administrative complex to meet modern standards. These efforts reflect my commitment to ensuring the efficient functioning of the ARCC.”
Regarding vehicles, he noted that many were non-functional when he assumed office, including the Toyota pickup highlighted in the viral video. Osei-Mensah further explained that some properties in the video are embroiled in legal disputes between the government and contractors.
Concluding his statement, Osei-Mensah reiterated his dedication to safeguarding state assets and attributed any lapses to systemic financial constraints.
“These allegations are not only misleading but fail to acknowledge the considerable progress made under my leadership. My priority has always been to serve the people of the Ashanti Region and protect its resources,” he emphasized.
Read the full details of the Minister’s statement below
RESPONSE TO ABANDONED PRESIDENTIAL VILL1_1
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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