Anyidoho calls Mpiani to order over Kufuor's office

There appears to be no end in sight to the controversy surrounding the acquisition of the Ridge residence to be used as an office by Ex-President Kufuor.

Head of Communications at the presidency Koku Anyidoho has chided the former Chief of Staff Kwodwo Mpiani over conflicting information surrounding the said residence.

In a letter addressed to president John Evans Atta-Mills seeking approval for the use of residence as an office, Mr Mpiani stated president Kufuor prior to his departure from office established the said office to be used during his retirement.

According to Koku Anyidoho, Mr. Mpiani had earlier informed the asset sub committee of the government transition team an International organisation-IDA was the occupant of the residence.

“This property per information we got from transition team on the other side was supposed to be in the possession of an organisation-IDA. They were supposed to be the occupants of this property. Interestingly Mr Kwodwo Mpiani was the head of the transition on the other side, so if they gave us information that the property was being occupied by IDA and the self same Kwodwo Mpiani comes now and tells us that prior to leaving office the former president had already started using the property that is where I think Mr Mpiani would have to clear the air.”

In what he referred to as logical conclusion, Mr. Anyidoho said the ex-president was using the said residence before he left office.

He could not confirm whether President Mills will approve the continued use of the said residence by his predecessor, but stressed "it’s not President Mills’ nature to deny him an office.”

According to him, the letter requesting for approval for the use of the residence was written on February 5, 2009, but was received on 11th March, 2009.

He maintained the President will soon take a decision on the matter, once a formal letter has been sent to him.

Prior to that decision, the Ga-Dangme Association has asked the former President to vacate the residence or they will embark on demonstration to force him out.

They say the occupation is yet another attempt to deny them their rightful property.