Accra, May 5, GNA - The Office of the President on Tuesday denied an allegation that the President John Evans Atta Mills expressed "shock" when he was informed that one Stephen Blay, whose nomination as a District Chief Executive for Jomoro has been withdrawn, is a relation.

Stephen Blay was quoted by a newspaper as saying President Mills expressed "shock" upon learning that he was married to the president's niece, claiming that the president said he was pressured into withdrawing the nomination.

"President Mills has at no time expressed shock, neither has he told anyone about being pressurized to withdraw any nominee for the post of DCE," a statement signed by Mrs Zita Okaikoi, Minister of Information, said.

It said: "Accordingly, the Presidency wishes to state that the decision to withdraw the nomination of Stephen Blay would not have been affected by the President's knowledge or otherwise of any supposed familial relationship."