Government Denies Dr. Mahama's Allegation

The government considers as most unfortunate the tendency of some political leaders to create unnecessary panic through the propagation of falsehood.

The government considers as most unfortunate the tendency of some political leaders to create unnecessary panic through the propagation of falsehood. Reference here is made to the allegation by Dr. Edward Mahama, leader of the Peoples National Convention (PNC) that the New Patriotic Party has armed its agents with AK-47 rifles to terrorize the people of Navrongo-Central during the by election in the constituency today, Tuesday 25th March 2003.

Investigations into the allegation show that it is completely false and has no substance to it. Neither has there been any proof that the ruling party has distributed 600 mobile phones to people in the constituency as Dr. Mahama alleged.

The latest misinformation by Dr. Mahama is most unfortunate and deeply worrying, considering the fact that this is not the first time he is peddling such falsehood.

It is important for political leaders like Dr. Mahama to always consider the paramount interest over parochial and partisan desires and strive to uphold the truth at all times. Rumour mongering by personalities like Dr. Mahama end up not only discrediting the individual concerned, but debase the very essence of political discourse.

At a time when the media is being constantly urged to exercise responsibility in reportage, it lies ill in the mouth of people like Dr. Mahama to be the source of such vile, vicious and unfounded rumours, which in no way serve the national interest.

for: J. O. OBETSEBI-LAMPTEY

MINISTER