Former Ashanti regional minister, Simon Osei Mensah, has publicly requested a detailed account of outstanding debts attributed to the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) as of January 6, 2025.
This request follows a controversial statement made by the current Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, who lamented on Accra based GhOne TV about inheriting debts and a poorly maintained residence from his predecessor.
In his statement, Osei-Mensah emphasized that during his tenure from February 22, 2017, to January 6, 2025, all major transactions were settled before he handed over responsibilities.
“To the best of my knowledge all major transactions undertaken during my tenure of office, from 22nd February, 2017 to 6th January 2025 were paid for before I handed over on the 6th January, 2025”, he explained.
He acknowledged that the only significant outstanding obligation might be the fuel bill for December 2024, which is typically settled within the first two weeks of January according to supplier agreements.
“The only possible major outstanding debt could be the fuel bill for December, 2024, which per the agreement with the supplier is paid within the first two weeks of the ensuing month”.
Osei-Mensah’s request for information includes specifics such as the beneficiary of each debt, the date incurred, the purpose of the debt, and any remarks related to it. He expressed that this information would help clarify the financial legacy he left for Dr. Amoakohene.
“I would be highly appreciative if you give me the list of all outstanding debts of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council as at close of day on 6th January, 2025, indicating beneficiary, date the debt was incurred, purpose, outstanding amount and remarks, if any”.
He then added “this will enable me appreciate the debt I bequeathed to my nephew, Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister”.
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
