The Member of Parliament (MP) for Effiduase-Asokore, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie has issued a statement refuting media reports suggesting he physically assaulted the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Hon Mary Boatemaa Marfo.

According to him, the news was brought up ostensibly to divert President Akufo-Addo's attention from the many issues confronting the female DCE, adding that she succeeded in making the subject topical.

This portal earlier reported that Nana Ayew Afriye had allegedly slapped Hon Boatemaa Marfo after a fight ensued between the two at Effiduase-Asokore.

The unfortunate incident according to an eyewitness happened Friday, October 11, 2019, at the premises of the Effiduase District Assembly.

The eyewitness told Ghanaguardian.com that, the MP and the DCE were quarrelling about a bus which was to transport party faithful to the durbar grounds where Nana Akufo-Addo was set to make an address during his official visit to the district.

The report said, Nana Ayew Afriye slapped Hon Mary Marfo in the face and pushed her on the ground after she flouted his orders by telling the bus driver not to move the vehicle.

The female DCE, suffered pain in one leg as she was seen limping after fallen down and was rushed to the Effiduase Government Hospital where she was treated and discharged, the eyewitness said.

Reacting to the allegation, however, Nana Ayew said, the misunderstanding was actually between the DCE's driver and one of his supporters, adding that "maybe when I am tagged it will become news for President to know probably I am the cause of her woes".

Nana Afriyie emphatically stated, he never assaulted anyone as the reports suggested and has no intentions to do that.

Below is the full (unedited) statement: 

I have not touched the DCE and not even engaged her today

Good evening. I have taken note of media publications which is well made up ostensibly to divert the attention of President from the many issues confronting the DCE in the district. Indeed she succeeded in making this issue topical thereby clouding the numerous projects today avails for the world to know about my constituency under the great leadership of our hardworking President. The said issue was between her driver and a party agent who is my ardent supporter. May be when am tagged it will become news for President to know probably I am the cause of her woes. I didn't ask her among others to create those ghost school feeding schools as reported by auditor general etc. I havent raised my hand on anyone and I dont intend on anyday to raise a hand on any one not to talk of some like her. I was given the opportunity to recommend to be the DCE of my district. I know sooner than later the actors on this issue will come out to let out the truth.

Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie
MP, Effiduase. A/R