Be Honest With Citizens; Otumfuo Tells Politicians

Asantehene Otumfuo Tutu II has asked politicians to come clean when it comes to developmental projects.

He noted that politicians owe the citizens nothing but the truth.

He said this after applauding the Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon Simon Osei Mensah for being honest with the members of the Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs when they questioned him about projects ranging from galamsey, health, roads, job creation, etc.

“What I liked most is that he was able to respond to all the concerns raised by Nananom. Today I have realised that he knows what is really going on. He has spoken the truth. We will arrange for him to meet one of our Standing Committees every three months to brief us about how everything is going on.”

Some projects are estimated to be completed before the Akufo-Addo-led administration leaves power in 2025 but the Minister indicated otherwise and justified it with lack of funds.

For instance, with the construction of Ejisu-Kodie ring road which President Akufo-Addo said would commence in 2022, the Minister told the House that it cannot be possible.

“I’m not too sure that we will be able to work on outer ring roads from Ejisu-Bosomtwe-Atwima kwanwoma- Abuakwa Nkawie- Kodie”, he admitted.

Additionally, he said the project cannot be done “for the next two years”.

The Asantehene patted him for his honesty and demanded that politicians tell the truth.

“Politicians must be honest with us. We voted for you (politicians). Let us know if the funds are not available for projects. Tell the people if you (politicians) can’t do the projects just as you (Simon Osei Mensah) said outer ring roads can’t be completed in two years.”

The House plans to summon the other sector ministers including Hon Amoako Atta (Roads), Ken Ofori Atta (Finance) and Kwaku Agyeman-Manu (Health) next year to answer their questions on the various sectors.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini