Agyepong out, Awuni in as Kufuor's Press Secretary

Castle sources have confirmed to JoyNEWS that Andrew Awuni, a former deputy information minister is all set to assume the position of President's Press Secretary. This follows the resignation of Kwabena Agyepong from that position on Thursday.

Mr. Agyepong failed to report for work on Thursday and has since stayed away from the Castle.

Latest information from the Castle says he has formally tendered in his resignation letter, confirming JOYNEWS stories on his resignation.

Andrew Awuni who is expected to start work soon is currently a Senior Special Aide to the president, after a stint as deputy information minister under Nana Akomea.

He started off in government as a Special Assistant to the vice president and coordinated the 'failed' Campaign for Greater Indiscipline launched by the Vice President.

The appointment of Mr. Awuni as press secretary and the submission of the resignation letter should end discussions on whether Mr. Agyepong is truly out of the Castle even if temporary.

The man has for the last five years defended and spoken for the president is also the brain behind the twice weekly press interactions on Mondays and Thursdays during which he fields questions from the castle press corps.

Pro-government newspaper, the Statesman in its Friday edition denied reports of Mr. Agyepong's resignation. The paper's editor, Gabby Asare Otchere Darko, who claims to have spoken to Mr. Agyepong, said the president's spokesman has not resigned. He further claims that Mr. Agyepong has rather been re-assigned as deputy minister for education, science and sports.

In spite of the Stateman's denials, JOYNEWS can confirm that Mr. Agyepong served notice of his intention to quit government prior to the announcement of the Cabinet reshuffle and stayed off work and the Castle on Thursday.

He has meanwhile confirmed to JoyFM and several other senior journalists his decision to 'opt out of office.' He has however declined to grant interviews. Joy News has also learnt of attempts to persuade him to rescind his decision while a media campaign has been launched by some journalists to play down his resignation.