A statement from Anglogold Ashanti has indicated that the group President, Dr Sam Jonah, has requested to step down as an Executive Director on the board to enable him spend more time with his family and pursue other interests outside Anglogold Ashanti.

But the announcement seems to have sparked concerns among the public with some alleging that Dr Sam Jonah has by his decision, completed his plot to hand over the country?s golden asset to a multinational concern.

In an interview with CITI BUSINESS NEWS, the Chief Financial Officer of Anglogold Ashanti West Africa, Mr Kwaku Akosa Bempah, out rightly dismissed the allegations being peddled.

Mr Joseph Siaw of former brewery giant, TATA Brewery, is also calling for a Ghanaian Executive Director on the board to replace Dr Sam Jonah.

Dr Sam Jonah has agreed to remain an office bearer of the Company and will retain the title President, but will exercise this role as a non-executive director. This move will become effective from July 31, 2005.