A/R: Due to financial difficulties, Presidential Villa was abandoned. Osei-Mensah

Simon Osei-Mensah, the former regional minister for Ashanti, has responded to criticism expressed in a social media video that went viral and implied that he purposefully left the Presidential Villa, Regional Minister's Bungalow, and other structures at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC) residence to decay.

In a press statement, Osei-Mensah denied these allegations and gave a thorough explanation of the difficulties he took over when he took office on February 22, 2017.

Among the problems Osei-Mensah listed were a substantial debt overhang of more over GHc1.5 million, numerous cars that were in disrepair, outdated office supplies and equipment, a decaying administration building, deteriorating facilities at the Residency, and insufficient staff housing.

As he acknowledged that the post carries both responsibilities and advantages, he emphasized that he took action to solve these issues as soon as he took office.