AMA boss’ press conference was 'premature' - Ablakwa

Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, a Deputy Information Minister: Says Mayor's quick reaction is unprecedented in Ghanaian history. A Deputy Minister of Information, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has described as ‘premature’ reactions of Accra Mayor, Alfred Nii Oko Vanderpuije to reports alleging that President Mills had directed him to halt all demolishing exercises in the capital. The Daily Graphic in its Tuesday edition reported that the Castle had met with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly boss and directed him to halt decongestion exercises that were ongoing in the city. However, Dr Alfred Vanderpuije denied knowledge of any such directive by the president, although a minister of state at the presidency, Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, had confirmed to Joy News that the president was unhappy with the exercise. Following his denial, the Accra Mayor organized a press conference telling the media that the president had called and apologized to him and that he has accepted the apology in good faith. But Mr Ablakwa said the Major’s press conference was ‘too premature’. According to him, Mr Vanderpuije should have consulted the presidency about the issue for further clarification before organizing that press conference. Mr Okudzeto, who was speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana programme Wednesday claimed that the presidency was unaware of the intended press conference and that it came as a shock. He said President Mills was alarmed at the Mayor’s claim of an apology from him (the President). “It turns out that he says the President called him twice between 8 and 9, we all could not believe what we heard,” he said, explaining that “granted that even if it was true, as appointees of the President, if you have a telephone discussion with (him) do you go organize a press conference and tell the whole world about it?" He added that “this is unprecedented in our history.” He advised the Mayor to eschew arrogance in the performance of his duty. By: Dorcas Efe Mensah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana