Press Secretary to the President, Mahama Ayariga has downplayed media reports of imminent cabinet reshuffle that will see Trade Minister Hannah Tetteh take over from Martey Newman as Chief of Staff. “I am unaware of any discussion about cabinet reshuffle. I am unaware of any discussion about the office of Chief of Staff. The Chief of staff of the President is Henry Martey Newman and no discussion anywhere is taking place about the replacement of any chief of staff that I am aware of,” he told Joy News’ Bernard Saibu on Thursday. He was commenting on the high profile meeting organised at the behest of President Mills on Wednesday with leading members of the party, ostensibly to minimize the in-fighting that has characterized the party’s activities in recent times. According to Ayariga the meeting was well attended by party representatives, parliamentary representatives and ministers of state. Joy News sources name some of the members as the Ahwoi brothers, E.T Mensah, Alban Bagbin, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Edward Doe Adjaho, Ama Benyiwa Doe, Alhaji Mahama Iddrisu. Conspicuously missing however were the Rawlingses who have been vocal in their criticisms of the government. The press secretary was reluctant in sharing the outcome of the meeting except to say that government has resolved to hold regular meetings with the party executives to chart the course for development. In addition, the party has reiterated the need for members to direct their concerns and grievances through the appropriate channels for redress. On why the ex- first family was absent from the meeting, Ayariga said he could not explain that because he was not part of the organisation of the meeting, but added the presidency is always opened. Meanwhile, pollster Ben Ephson has warned of a backlash if government continues to take reactionary measures at all times. He said the meeting will assuage the feelings of some of the critics. Even though he admitted that the meeting was consultative enough and would water down the simmering tension among the top brass of the ruling party, he was skeptical about the appropriateness of the timing of the meeting. “The president would be careful not to bequeath these meetings after criticisms otherwise they could backfire. If anybody wants a meeting with the president, he goes to media blasts the president and he calls them for a meeting,” he warned. Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana