President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday justified why he embarked upon a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Christmas holidays.

Answering questions from the media to mark the first anniversary of his administration, the president brushed aside accusations that he travelled to the UAE with his family to have “fun” and abandoned pressing matters bordering the nation.

The theme for the media engagement was: “One Year of Transparency and Accountable Governance”.

The president’s trip to the UAE attracted harsh comment, especially from opposition politicians who described him as being insensitive towards the plights of the citizenry.

Mr Mahama insisted that the UAE was strategically chosen as it offered him the opportunity to interact with technical groups and potential investors.

“During my stay at the Arab Emirates, I met lots of potential investors and some technical groups who promised to send their representatives.

“…It is not true that I travelled to have fun with my family… I think the UAE has been a destination for lots of world leaders and these leaders usually go there to attract investors and that is why I took the chance to meet the PM of UAE in Dubia,” the president explained.

He, however, seized the opportunity to thank his Vice President, Mr Amissah-Arthur, for holding the fort while he was away.