Cape Coast, Jan 14, GNA - The Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Kenneth Obempong on Wednesday disassociated himself from a publication in an Accra private newspaper accusing the Acting Central Regional Minister Mr Isaac Edumadze, who has been re-nominated for the post, of impropriety.

Speaking at a news conference at Cape Coast on Wednesday, the DCE said that even though he was the author of a petition to President John Agyekum Kufuor in November 2002, copies were not sent to the media.

The DCE, therefore, expressed surprise that the newspaper published the petition, saying: "If the paper has any personal score to settle with the Minister it should not use my name to achieve its selfish agenda".

Mr Obempong said, "If I gave the petition to the paper why did it not publish it in 2002 but decided to publish it in January 2005?" Giving the background of the case, the DCE explained that in November 2002, there was a rift between him, the Regional Minister and Executive Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the area. He said as a result, members of the District Assembly passed a vote of no confidence to remove him from office. Mr Brempong said he petitioned the President and after investigations he was re-instated.

The DCE said the Right Reverend Isaac Quansah, Methodist Bishop of Cape Coast and some prominent personalities including party officials settled the rift between him on one side and Mr Edumadze and the NPP Executives on the other.

The DCE said he was made to write an apology letter to all those concerned and to withdraw the petition.

Mr Bempong pointed out that since then the relationship between him, the Regional Minister and Party Executives had been cordial and stated he was surprised that his petition should now be used to antagonise the Regional Minister in a case he was not connected. He advised the media to be circumspect in their reportage since the belated news could spark off trouble.

The DCE told the Chiefs and people of the District that he was not connected in anyway to the publication that sought to tarnish the image of Mr Edumadze.