I did not author statement on Bawumia seeking medical care in the UK - Eugene Arhin

Director of Communications at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin has described as ‘fake’, a press statement circulating on some media platforms, indicating that the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been flown to the United Kingdom after a series of tests for further medical observation.

The Presidency in a statement Friday January 19 revealed that the Dr. Bawumia was unwell and under medical observation.

“Dr. Bawumia “reported feeling unwell” today. “He was attended to by his doctors, and is currently undergoing medical tests and observation. Any further information will be duly communicated”, the statement read.

Another making rounds on social media platforms a day after the announcement; Saturday January 20, suggests that Dr. Bawumia had to be referred to a specialist in the U.K as recommended after his tests.

The statement read:

"Vice President flies to the United Kingdom for medical attention

The Vice President of the Republic Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the late hours of Friday 19th January 2018 was flown to the United Kingdom for medical attention. After series of tests by his doctors, he was referred to the specialist in the United Kingdom for further observation. All arrangements to secure the best of medical care have been done by the government. The general public is informed to allay their fears and rather join in prayers for the vice President, any further information will be duely communicated."



In a disclaimer on his facebook wall however, Mr. Arhin indicated that the statement was purported and not authored by any official from the Presidency as was suggested.

"I have not authored or issued any statement stating that the Vice President travelled to the UK. Its fake. Thank you.", the post read.

Confirming this on Joynews' Newsfile, Mr. Arhin indicated that though an official statement was forwarded to specific persons and media houses through email Friday, this particular one being circulated as from the presidency in some news items is inaccurate.

"Any formal statement from the Flagstaff house is almost every single day sent by email…just like yesterday’s release which indicated that the Vice President had taken ill, that release was sent by the Flagstaff communications bureau email address so this statement flying about on whatsapp definitely did not come from the Flagstaff House communications bureau, I’m sure it’s something someone just fabricated", he said.



He indicated that the official updates on the condition of the Vice President will be relayed accordingly from the Presidency. Meanwhile a statement signed by Chief-of-Staff, Frema Opare has confirmed the departure of Vice President to the United Kingdom.

Below is the official statement: