President John Dramani Mahama has denied rumours he is in South Africa to undergo a kidney transplant. The president said, “Yes, I am in South Africa with my wife and children for a private visit, and it is an opportunity for me to spend some time with them. I am not in hospital, I was not flown out for medical attention, and I have not had any kidney transplant.” There were rumours that the president, who left for South Africa Sunday on a private visit, was there to undergo a kidney transplant but he has flatly rejected the claims. He expressed regret that “Our politics is becoming one that dwells on lies and deliberately concocted issues rather than what concerns our people.” “I am hoping that the voice of the people of Ghana in the last elections will soon dawn on us to appreciate the fact that Ghanaians are indeed discerning,” President Mahama added in statement posted on his website. In his Christmas message, President Mahama wished all Ghanaians a Merry Christmas and the very best of the yuletide. “Lordina, my wife, is sending out a Christmas Message in which she is encouraging all to look beyond our individual families and extend a hand of care and fellow-feeling to others who may be disadvantaged in one way or the other,” he added.