Mills denies Blay`s claim

Posted: The Chronicle Wednesday, May 06, 2009
By Charles Takyi-Boadu


President Mills has denied The Chronicle report that he was beside himself on hearing the news of the withdrawal of Mr. Stephen Blay, who claims to be related to him by virtue of his marriage with he (the President’s) niece.
Blay was the District Chief Executive (DCE) nominee for Jomoro in the Western Region, but his nomination was later withdrawn, following protests by National Democratic Congress (NDC) executives in the constituency.
According to the President, at no point in time did he express shock or tell anyone about being pressurised into withdrawing any nominee for the post of DCE.
A statement, signed and issued by Information Minister, Mrs. Zita Okaikoi, said the Presidency wishes to state that the decision to withdraw the nomination of Stephen Blay, would not have been affected by the President’s knowledge, or otherwise, of any supposed family relationship.
Stephen Blay claimed in The Chronicle publication, yesterday, that President Mills expressed shock upon learning that he (Stephen Blay) was married to his niece.
He also claimed the President told his (Blay’s) wife that he was pressured into withdrawing the nomination.
The statement was however silent as to whether the Blay’s wife was related to the President or not.