Mills unfazed by criticism – Ayariga

President Atta Mills has been under criticism for not hitting the ground running as promised The Presidential spokesperson, Mahama Ayariga, says President Atta Mills is aware but unfazed by the recent incessant criticisms from some NDC bigwigs on his style of governance. Former President Jerry Rawlings, Majority Leader in Parliament Alban Bagbin and MP for Nabdam, Moses Asaga joined the likes of Lower Manya Krobo MP, Michael Teye Nyaunu, and a former NDC presidential aspirant, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, to stoke the blazing fires by the opposition New Patriotic Party portraying the president as a non-performer. Mr Ayariga confirmed on Peace FM’s kokrokoo on Thursday that President Mills “hears all these criticisms”. He described President Mills as a “listening president” who would not discard genuine and constructive criticism; however, he noted, as human and fallible, the president sifts them and takes on board those that are “genuine and have basis” to correct his mistakes. The Presidential Spokesperson maintained that the only “source of worry” to the president is the inappropriate medium the members used to express their concerns on government policies. He said it was bad for those who have access to the presidency to directly state their accusations but rather choose to resort to the media. He could not fathom the rational behind their open criticisms and wondered “if there is any agenda or why?” Mahama Ayariga also discounted perceptions that the president is under pressure and assured that those things would not distract the president's plans and policies for a better Ghana. The Presidential Spokesperson also took a swipe at the media for “clearly misleading and misrepresenting” his recent press briefing, which sort to portray that President Mills has ceased to be a father for all, and reiterated that the president would not discriminate against any citizen. He said during the press briefing, party members who are in government were only implored to “make space for party activists” and have regular interaction with them in response to complaints that they have been sidelined. Story by Isaac Essel/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana