Accra (Greater Accra), 1st July 99- Five members of the Ashanti Regional Caucus in Parliament have dissociated themselves from a statement issued last Friday criticising President Jerry John Rawlings and calling on him to apologise for remarks he made when the Asantehene called on him.

In a statement issued in Accra on Wednesday, the five National Democratic Congress Members of Parliament, said at no time did they meet with the rest of their colleagues and take such a decision. "It was, therefore, mischievous for some of (our) colleagues to issue such a statement and claim to be speaking for the whole Ashanti Region." The MPs are Mr Annor Baffour (Ahafo-Ano North), Mr John Gyasi (Adansi-Asokwa), Ms Theresa Baffoe (New Edubiase), Mr Ahmed Musah (Asokwa East) and Mr Boakye Ansah (Ejura-Sekyidumase). They described as unfortunate the fact that "discussion of the issue had degenerated into an ethnic slanging match into which politicians and other interest groups have injected themselves in order to score cheap political points."

They said they noted recent statements by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Kojo Yankah and Minister of Communications, Mr John Mahama, which have reassured the public that the meeting was very cordial and fruitful. The Ministers also said the President had no wish or intention to injure the sensibilities of anyone.

The MPs said they are informed that the Asantehene at the meeting declared that chiefs could not exist without government just as government cannot exist without chiefs.

"It is very unfortunate that certain persons are trying to drive a wedge between the Asantehene and the government." The MPs said they are proud of their new and young Asantehene and would wish that "he be left in peace to concentrate on the difficult duties associated with the office."