Claim that I fought Veep is reckless gossip -Bagbin

In a statement released in Accra, the Minister said the story in the media was 'totally wild and reckless gossip.'

'For the avoidance of doubt, and for the records, therefore, I wish to clearly state that in my capacity as Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, my relationship with H.E. the Vice President and his High Office, both at the personal and official levels, is at an all-time high, and I do proudly enjoy his incredible support, goodwill, and very active collaboration in everything, including the National Housing Project,' Mr. Bagbin said.

He said he was reacting 'to put to rest, and to unreservedly, condemn this malicious piece of false journalism.' Mr Bagbin stressed that 'no such incident occurred, or has ever

occurred between H.E. the Vice President and myself.'

The Office of the Vice President on Monday also denied reports of a scuffle between Vice President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing over the Ghana Housing Project, also referred to as STX housing project.

A statement signed in Accra by the Spokesperson to the Vice President, Mr John Abdulai Jinapor, described the reports as a 'crude attempt by some media houses and political forces to tarnish the image of Vice President Mahama to achieve their parochial interests.'

It said there was no reason for anybody to be angry, let alone, engage in a scuffle over the Housing Project.

'Vice President Mahama is even known to have the best of working relationships with Mr Bagbin from their days in parliament, and now in government.”

The statement said the false report was similar to a previous claim that the Vice President pulled a gun on former President Jerry John Rawlings at the Castle.

'Every Ghanaian knows and appreciates his (Vice President Mahama's) tolerance and patience, and it is not in his character to engage in verbal or physical exchanges with any person,' it said.

The statement said Vice President Mahama had chaired, on behalf of the President, government meetings about helping clear the country's housing deficit, and also reviewed the wrangling among the partners working on the Ghana Housing Project. It said there were no scuffles at any of these meetings. – GNA