Former Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei-Mensah has addressed concerns raised in a viral video on social media, which suggests that he intentionally abandoned the Presidential Villa, Regional Minister's Bungalow, and other buildings at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) residence to deteriorate.
In a press release, Osei-Mensah refuted these claims and provided a detailed account of the challenges he inherited when he assumed office on February 22, 2017.
Osei-Mensah outlined several issues he faced, including a significant debt overhang of over GHc1.5 million, a large number of broken-down vehicles, obsolete office furniture and equipment, a rundown administration block, dilapidated buildings at the Residency, and inadequate staff accommodation.
He emphasised that upon assuming office, he took steps to address these challenges, recognising that both assets and liabilities are inherited with the position.
