After eight years of neglect, the Ashanti Regional Minister’s home and the Presidential lodge are in ruins.

 

Both the Presidential Lodge, which housed both the current and earlier presidents, and the Ashanti Regional Minister’s official mansion, which once housed former ministers, are in terrible condition.

During the course of the most recent administration, the facilities were left unoccupied for eight years.

The property is in a state of disrepair as a result of neglect, which has resulted in the theft of necessary objects including furniture, window frames, and air conditioners.

When the Ashanti Regional executives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) toured the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to examine state-of-the-government facilities, www.kumasipioneer.com was granted access to the facility.

Once emblems of the government’s effectiveness and presence in the area, the facilities have been neglected since the New Patriotic Party (NPP) took office eight years ago.

When Samuel Sarpong of the NDC was in office, the Ashanti Regional Minister’s official house was the RCC.

But according to reports, the NPP’s Mr. Simon Osei-Mensah, his successor, declined to inhabit the property, which resulted in its neglect.

The property is currently covered with trash and weeds. Furniture and air conditioners, among other essential infrastructure, have been taken or stolen.

Also in poor condition is the Presidential Lodge, which used to house presidents when they visited the area.

Augustus Andrews, the NDC’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, said he was shocked to see the location.

He bemoaned, “What we saw this afternoon is very sad.” This was the well-kept bungalow of the regional minister while we were in power. However, take a look at its current state and it is very shameful.

Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the regional secretary for the NDC, also called the situation regrettable and promised that the party will look into it.

“We must ascertain whether the facilities were adequately maintained and who was in charge of their maintenance,” he said.

Concerns over the diligence of civil servants entrusted with overseeing government properties were voiced by Dr. Amoakohene.

The idea that someone hired to manage these facilities permitted this degree of negligence is alarming.

It calls into severe doubt the system’s responsibility,” he said. In addition, he expressed disapproval of the squandering of public funds, speculating that the previous regional minister might have rented an apartment at taxpayer expense while these facilities were abandoned and in disrepair.

“This is a waste of resources, particularly considering that government buildings that could house officials have been abandoned,” he continued.

Dr. Amoakohene gave the people his word that steps will be taken to resolve the matter as soon as possible.

He underlined how critical it is to repair the facilities and bring those in charge of the neglect accountable.

“This is about respecting public resources and making sure they fulfil their intended purpose; it’s not just about one building,” he stated.