DCE denies having problems with Minister-Designate

Accra, Jan. 27, GNA - Mr Kenneth Obempong, District Chief Executive of Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District, on Thursday said there was no bad blood between him and Mr Isaac Edumadze, Central Regional Minister-designate, as speculations in sections of the media sought to portray.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Mr Obempong said he had had good working relationship with Mr Edumadze in dealing with issues affecting communities at both the constituency and district levels.


"I am, therefore, surprised to find a letter I wrote in 2002 being used in newspapers to support a petition to the Clerk to the Appointments Committee of Parliament to substantiate allegations of corruption against the Minister-designate and to create the unfortunate impression that all was not well between us," he said.


Mr Obempong admitted writing the letter to the President and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in which the regional Minister was accused of probable support of members of the assembly to remove him from office.

However, he said, when his attention was drawn to the possible inaccuracy of his information and a subsequent meeting of some opinion leaders the letter was withdrawn.


"I am, therefore, dismayed that the said letter is being used to create the unfortunate impression that I have problems with my Member of Parliament and, therefore, he should not be approved by the Appointments Committee."


Mr Obempong said while individuals might have their axes to grind with Mr Edumadze these should be based on facts and not on false allegations and a letter, which had been withdrawn some two years ago.