Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council broke - Simon Osei-Mensah

The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) is in dire need of resources as its finances have run into the negatives compelling clerical staff to do photocopies from outside in order to keep government business running.

Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah who confirmed the dire situation of the RCC on Accra-based Okay FM, said since assumption of office in February this year, he has been fueling his official vehicle from his personal resources.

“I have been fueling my car since February and other things from my own pocket because I do not want activities to grind to a halt. It is a very sad situation because we are inundated with debts as a result of so many things that were done under the previous administration”, he revealed.

According to him, all the 30 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies are saddled with debts with the RCC alone owning about GH¢ 1.5million.

“KMA alone owes GH¢75 million aside what court has set aside. If you add that KMA debt portfolio is about GH¢100 million yet people expect development. All MMDAs in the region owe about GH¢ 155 million. When can we overcome these huge debts and begin development? We are investigating the debts and will strike an optimum balance between the payment of these debts and development. Simple A4 sheets are difficult to buy as well as photocopies. We cannot have these debts and still continue to borrow”, he revealed.

The Minister also revealed that all printers and photocopies have broken down saying “we need to change the system in order not grind government business to a halt. They should be patient with the MMDCEs as they work out modalities to bring about development in their various districts and the region as a whole We have sacrificed now and bought 3 small photocopiers which we now relying on for activities because the situation is very embarrassing”