Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Simon Osei Mensah has accused his detractors of mimicking his voice with inciting comments to create a turf war between him and persons of northern extraction.
A voice recording making the rounds on social media purported is heard castigating northerners making very hurling abusive comments at them over the recent issue involving National Organiser hopeful of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joshua Hamidu Akamba.
Independent checks by MyNews revealed that the voice is that of an online radio personality based in Holland but those circulating it for parochial interest are alleging it that of Mr Simon Osei-Mensah.
But in a statement copied to MyNews, the Minister stated unequivocally that the voice is not his and a deliberate attempt by some faceless individuals to create some disaffection between him and Northerners he has had a good and cordial working relationship with.
“I see this as a clear handy work of my detractors who are just not happy with me and my stern resolve to fight corruption in the region. Those who have known me and those who have come close to me even in these short time I assumed office as the Regional Minister for Ashanti, can attest to it that I hate tribal politics as well as anything that can threaten the foundation of peace on this country”, he said in a statement
Read the full text of his statement below;
PRESS STATEMENT
My attention has been drawn to a malicious and fake audio circulating on the various social media, especially, on Whatsapp and Facebook platforms and purportedly coming from my end.
The contents of this said audio seen on these platforms had my name attached to it to the effect that I made those disparaging comments; comments which are so tribal, comment which can break the peace and cohesion of this country.
The audio also seemed to suggest that I, Simon Osei Mensah, had replied to a supposed post by someone (mentioned in the audio as Akamba.)
First, I wish to state emphatically that the voice is never mine, and again, I have never been on any platform whatsoever with that name mentioned in the audio.
There is no semblance of this voice and that of mine. I see this as a lazy job from desperate political opponents who are bent on soiling my reputation.
I see this as a clear handy works of my detractors who are just not happy with me and my stern resolve to fight corruption in the region.
Those who have known me and those who have come close to me even in these short time I assumed office as the Regional Minister for Ashanti, can attest to it that I hate tribal politics as well as anything that can threaten the foundation of peace on this country.
Let me also state categorically that this will not in anyway slow me down or bruise my resolve to lead this region and make it a better place.
I, therefore urge the general public to disregard this audio, as it it not true. My humbling beginning has taught me how to live with people, irrespective of tribe, social or economic class.
This government and it’s appointees are clearly aware of how we came to power, and the massive endorsement that the party received from our non- Alan brothers and sisters, and, it will be politically suicidal to go that tangent.
Let me once again assure the public that I, Simon Osei-Mensah, have never, and will never descend in such gutters with anyone, irrespective of the provocation.
We are one people with a common ambition; an ambition to see a prosperous nation, an ambition to see Ghana move forward, to see the youth get sustainable employment and, an ambition to make Ghana work again.
Thank you.
Signed
Hon. Simon Osei Mensah
Ashanti Regional Minister
