I didn't say I was superior to Northerners - Osei-Mensah

The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah has debunked rumours making rounds that he has made some derogatory statement about some tribes in Ghana in an audio recordings.

Mr. Mensah responding to the said audio said, "There is no semblance of this voice and that of mine" according to him, he can only attribute the perpetrators of the rumors to his opponents "I see this as a lazy job from desperate political opponents who are bent on soiling my reputation" he said.

In a press release addressing the issue, the Regional Minister said, the perpetrators can only be those who like his strong stands on fighting corruption in the country "I see this as a clear handy works of weak and cowards who are just not happy with me and my stern resolve to fight corruption in the region"

He entreated all Ghanaians not to pay heed to the purported lies circulating on social media.

Read full statement below

PRESS STATEMENT

DISCLAIMER!!!!

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 weak and cowards 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.

My relationship with northerners have been so cordial, and I do not see myself to be superior.

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.

I have directed the National Security to investigate and ensure those behind this coward act are brought to book.

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.

Simon Osei-Mensah

(Ashanti Regional Minister)