Paul Boateng fails to meet Okyenhene

Kyebi (Eastern Region) – the Chiefs and people of Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area who gathered at the Ofori Panin Fie at Kyebi to welcome Ghanaian-born Paul Boateng, MP and Chief Secretary of the British Treasury, return ed home disappointed, when the event was put off at the last hour.

Sources close to the Palace explained that Paul Boateng had been flown out of Ghana, suffering from food poisoning. No details were given, but it was learnt that he had carried the problem from Uganda, from where he had flown here.

A member of the council of State, Fred Asante, who was present at the Palace, was silent on the issue. It was learnt that Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin broke the news at about 5am in a telephone message from Accra to one of the chiefs in the Palace.

But the British Embassy in Accra has denied that Paul Boateng had been flown out of London. The official was quick to add: “It is true that he is not too well and this explains why he could not fulfil his schedule to meet the Okyehene. Paul Boateng was expected to fly back to South Africa on Tuesday as part of his mission to Africa.