Government has described as untrue reports in both local and international media suggesting that First Lady Ernestina Naadu Mills, gave a gold watch worth 48,000 dollars to Michelle Obama when the US First Family embarked on a historic visit to Ghana in July 2009.
According to reports on the internet, quoting White House documents, the watch is one of the most expensive gifts given to Mrs. Obama since her husband occupied the White House.
However Government in a statement said the gold watch did not come from Mrs. Naadu Mills.
It is said to have been a present by Bits and Straws and the African Watch Trading Company on behalf of Ghana.
Government officials are said to be meeting with U.S Embassy officials over the news and an official statement is to be released soon to clear the air.
RE: Naadu Mills Gives Obama $48,000 Gift
The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Mrs. Ernestina Naadu Mills, did NOT present Mrs. Michelle Obama with a Backes & Strauss wristwatch valued at $48,000, when President Barrack Obama and his wife paid a state visit to Ghana in the second week of July 2009.
During the visit of President Obama and his wife, through the Government, all kinds of gifts were presented to them.
One such gift is the said Backes & Strauss wristwatch which was presented to Mrs. Obama on behalf of Ghana by B&S And Africa Watch Trading Co Ltd (representatives of B&S in Ghana).
Without any equivocation, the gift was handed over, neither on the orders, nor, with the knowledge of Mrs. Naadu Mills.