The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Simon Osei-Mensah has urged media practitioners in the region to partner him as he prosecutes ‘the comprehensive development agenda of the President’.
This development agenda, he indicated will be anchored on five prongs including improved security, implementation of government’s policies and programs, continuation of projects by previous governments, investment driven projects and the enforcement of discipline in the daily lives of residents.
Addressing the media at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council last Friday, Mr Osei-Mensah invited the media to buy along this vision of ensuring the Ashanti Region becomes economically and socially strong in terms of development.
‘’ I have been encouraged by your show of support from the day I was nominated and approved as regional minister and I believe with same support we will prosecute the programs and policies of President Akufo-Addo’’, the Minister noted.
The Minister also indicated his readiness to operate an open door policy which he stressed gives room for useful suggestions and contributions from the public.
COMMITMENT:
Recalling his background, the Minister reiterated his commitment to protect the public purse, adding no room will be given to wastage of funds.
‘’As an economics student and a banker over three decades there is no way I will allow public funds to go waste’’, Mr Osei-Mensah promised.
According to him, the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) will be charged to account for every penny it spends on government work.
This, he mentioned would send the right signals to the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs)to adhere to same in their respective operations.
SECURITY:
On the issue of law and order, the Minister underscored his collaboration with the security agencies in the region to ensure discipline is brought into the society.
According to him, crime remains crime no matter who commits it and assured the public his firm stance in curbing crime wherever it is perpetrated.
‘’No matter the party you support crime will be treated as such and justice will be served to all in the Region’’, Mr Mensah stressed.
He noted the ban on all activities at the Aboabo Market which recorded an unfortunate incident where some alleged supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Council (NDC) clashed on who should be in charge of activities at the lorry terminal.
Mr Osei-Mensah, however, encouraged all residents of the region to go about their respective duties without fear or intimidation since he was a father for all persons in the region.
‘’I urge all within the Ashanti Region to go about your legitimate businesses without fear or intimidation because I am here to serve your interests and not that of a political party’’, the minister intimated.
