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The government has denied allegations that it has armed its agents with AK-47 assault rifles to terrorise the people of Navrongo Central during Tuesday's by-election.

"Investigations into the allegation show that it is completely false and has no substance," a statement issued by the Minister of Information and Presidential Affairs, Jake Obetsebi-Lamptey said on Tuesday.

He said there is neither any proof that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has distributed 600 mobile phones to people in the constituency as Dr Edward Mahama, leader of the People's National Convention (PNC) alleged.

The minister said government considers as most unfortunate the tendency of some political leaders to create unnecessary panic through the propagation of falsehood. "The latest misinformation by Dr Mahama is most unfortunate and deeply worrying, considering the fact that this is not the first time he is peddling such falsehood," he said.

"It is important for political leaders like Dr Mahama to always consider the paramount interest over parochial and partisan desires and strike to uphold the truth at all times," he added. Obetsebi-Lamptey said rumour mongering by personalities like Dr Mahama end up not only discrediting the individual concerned, but debase the very essence of political discourse.

"At a time when the media is being constantly urged to exercise responsibility in reportage, it lies ill in the mouth of people like Dr Mahama to be the source of such vile, vicious and unfounded rumours, which in no way serve the national interest," the Minister said.