The National Security is to investigate the origination and circulation of an audio purported to be the voice of the Ashanti Regional Minister making disparaging remarks about Northerners.

Simon Osei Mensah allegedly made an ethnocentric comment against Northerners in the said audio in reaction to the opposition NDC’s Joshua Akamba engagement with students of the Tempane Senior High School over the Free SHS Programme.

But in a statement, Hon. Simon Osei Mensah denied ever making such malicious and tribal comments.

“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 work of my detractors 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. 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.”

It added: “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-Akan brothers and sisters, and, it will be politically suicidal to go that tangent.”