Kumasi, June 9, GNA - The Ashanti Region National Democratic Congress (NDC), has denied throwing its weight behind former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, to contest for the party's presidential ticket for Election 2012.

A statement signed by Mr. Yaw Owusu Obimpeh, Chairman of Ashanti Regional branch of NDC, in Kumasi, said there was no substance in rumours that the branch had pledged its support for Mrs. Rawlings. The denial comes as speculations that Mrs. Rawlings has a presidential ambition gathered momentum after the June 4, anniversary celebration in Tamale, where banners and 'T' shirts embossed with her photograph were for the first time displayed by a youth group, believed to be campaigning for her candidacy.

The statement said the regional branch of the party was not aware of any decision by the former First Lady, who is the first National Vice Chairman of the NDC, to put herself up as a candidate. It said the branch could not have gone out of its way to either promise or assure Mrs. Rawlings of its backing as being rumoured. The statement said that since President John Evans Atta Mills has not declined to lead the NDC in 2012, the branch could not be involved in any scheme to replace him and called on all to ignore the speculation. 9 June 10