Simon Osei-Mensah, the former Ashanti Regional Minister, has dismissed allegations by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that he intentionally abandoned state properties during his tenure.
In a press release, Osei-Mensah described the claims as unfounded and attributed the challenges to longstanding financial and logistical constraints.
He revealed that he inherited a Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) burdened with a GH¢1.5 million debt and outdated infrastructure.
Osei-Mensah clarified that he took immediate action to address the debt, financing the RCC’s operations for six months until the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) was disbursed.
By the end of his tenure, he claimed that the council was debt-free.
He also addressed accusations of neglecting state properties, including a damaged Toyota pickup, explaining that the vehicle was involved in an accident before his tenure. Osei-Mensah emphasized that he had used his personal vehicle for official duties due to the poor state of government vehicles.
The former minister highlighted steps taken to improve the RCC, including procuring new office equipment and initiating renovations.
He maintained that neither he nor the RCC allowed state assets to deteriorate intentionally, emphasizing that the challenges were due to financial limitations beyond his control. Osei-Mensah called the allegations an attempt to tarnish his reputation, reiterating his commitment to safeguarding state resources during his time in office.
The NDC has pledged to investigate the matter and hold those responsible accountable.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Roberta Acquaah
