The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has praised the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, for his significant contributions to the region’s development, particularly through major infrastructure projects.
Otumfuo’s commendation came during the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs’ last general meeting, where the minister presented an account of his work.
“Since your appointment, you’ve lived among us in harmony. Despite the power entrusted to you, you remained humble, and we are grateful for that,” Otumfuo said. “You always visited us with your team, and their support helped you achieve much. Today, you’ve come to give an account of your stewardship. Although your tenure is nearing its end, we pray that you continue your good work until the very end. When your term concludes, we as traditional leaders will find a fitting way to show our appreciation for all you’ve done for the region.”
Simon Osei Mensah first assumed the role of Ashanti Regional Minister in 2017 under President Akufo-Addo’s administration, serving his first term with a focus on regional development. In 2021, he was reappointed to serve a second term, making him the first regional minister in recent history to hold the position for two consecutive terms.
As his tenure draws to a close, Osei Mensah’s leadership has faced mixed reviews, with some critics pointing to his administration’s shortcomings in infrastructure development and citing the broader economic challenges facing the country. However, in his presentation to the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs, the minister highlighted several key projects during his time in office.
Among his accomplishments, Osei Mensah listed the initiation of 1,178 educational infrastructure projects, with over 900 already completed and commissioned.
Additionally, he reported the construction of 74 security service stations and 28 courts, with 21 of those courts already in operation. These projects, he noted, have had a lasting impact on improving access to education and security services across the region.
