The 2023 Fetu Afahye Planning Committee has rendered account of its stewardship, refuting allegations of embezzlement and misappropriation of funds levelled against its members in a section of the media. Mr Perry Mensah, the Chairman of the Committee, insisted that the committee served the Oguaa Traditional Area transparently with honesty, dignity and dedication and did not engage in any illegality. He has therefore warned media houses tarnishing the reputation of the committee to seize or face legal action. Speaking at a presser in Cape Coast, he gave a detailed account of the monies the committee received for the celebration of the 2023 Afahye and how they were expended. He disclosed that the committee mobilised GHS279,380 from various sources including donations from individuals and companies, levies from shops, businesses, hotels, restaurants and bars, and cash from the headline sponsor, Mamdev Co. Ltd. He said the Afahye's account already had an existing balance of GHS18,904.41 from previous celebra tions which brought the total amount to GHS298,284.41. Mr Mensah noted that an amount of GHS242,833.61 was spent towards the celebration on various items including rituals and ceremonial performances, printing and stationery, transport and travel, painting works, and security personnel and taskforce, leaving them with GHS55,450.80. He said an amount of GHS50,000 was later paid into the account by Mr Daniel McKorley, CEO of the McDan Group of Companies, and an additional GHS50,000 was expected from him based on a promise he made. 'This means we left behind GHS155,450.80. 'I just want the public to know that nobody in the committee has taken a penny from the Afahye planning account, we were not given any money, but we are leaving behind this amount of money, and we hope that they will put it to good use,' he said. Mr Mensah later presented reports on the three other celebrations he supervised from 2018 to 2022. 'In 2018, we collected GHS180,937.61 and spent GHS128,664.88 with a surplus of GHS282.73 becaus e some people made promises but never paid. 'In 2019, we had GHS99,940 and spent GHS96,940 and left GHS3,000 and in 2022, we collected GHS220,890 and spent GHS170,743 and left behind GHS50,147,' he explained. He indicated that after the 2018 Afahye, the money was committed to the renovation of Emintsimadze Royal Reception Area, the palace residence which was still ongoing. He expressed gratitude to the Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II, the Oguaamanhen and his council and the entire Cape Coast community for giving him and his committee members the opportunity to serve. He observed that the Fetu Afahye was the only economic activity in Cape coast which could change the face of the ancient Oguaa if it was handled well. 'I hope the new committee does it best to push the agenda we started,' he added. Source : Ghana News Agency