Kofi Wayo is a liar - Jake

Accra, Feb. 13, GNA - The Minister of Information and Presidential Affairs, Mr Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey on Wednesday denied that he used the words "Ashanti bastard" to describe anybody.

"It is strange that even though Kofi Wayo, even on his wildest flight of fantasy and fabrication, did not mention any name(s) he claimed to be the said 'Ashanti bastard', the fertile imagination of the Ghana Palaver added to the concoction by linking the name of His Excellency President John Agyekum Kufuor to the claim."

A statement signed by Mr Ferdinand Ayim, Special Assistant to the Minister, said: "The Minster categorically denies the wild claim by Kofi Wayo. He has never used and would never use the words "Ashanti bastard" either to Kofi Wayo or anyone else anywhere." The Minister also denied that he urged Mr Wayo to "go on radio and talk bad about Kwabena Agyepong," the President's Press Secretary.

The Minister said although he has known Mr Wayo for many years, Mr Wayo ceased seeing him when he failed to secure his support in his desire for a ministerial or other official position and also his bid to buy the Tema Oil Refinery for 35 million dollars.

"From October 2001 the Minister did not see Wayo again until the second week of June 2002 when in the wake of the allegation that the Minister had misappropriated 150 million cedis meant for the renovation of the Castle.

Wayo went to the Minister's house to offer his support and promised to assist him fight his detractors. Since that day the Minister has not spoken to or seen Mr Wayo."

On Mr Kwabena Agyepong, the Minster said he had worked in harmony with him on the NPP publicity and communications committee since the 1992 campaign.

"The Minister wishes to make it absolutely clear that as the Minster of Information and Presidential Affairs, he does not see himself in any competition with either Mr Agyepong or anyone in the information management sector of the government, since the battle is for a common cause to ensure the delivery of the positive change promised by the NPP manifesto."