The office of Alan Kyeremanten has issued a statement denying media reports the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate hopeful has bowed out of the race to lead the party in 2016.

The statement signed by Nana Ohene Ntow, Spokesperson for Mr Kyerematen, said the fabricated story was first carried by the Palaver newspaper, "a well-known pro NDC newspaper and widely circulated to other online portals".

Nominations opened last Friday June 6, 2014 for the party's flagbearship race, and the contest has been tentatively slated for December 6, 2014.

So far two-time flagbearer Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,  and former Minister for Information, Stephen Asamoah Boateng have picked up nomination forms.

However, Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, presidential aspirant in 2008 and Mr Kofi Osei-Ameyaw, the MP for Asuogyaman both sent emissaries to pick up forms.

Mr Kyerematen, who also took part in the race in 2008 and 2012 is yet to pick nomination forms.

"It is obvious that certain groups of persons are up to political mischief to tarnish the image of Mr. John Alan Kyerematen", the statement from Mr Kyerematen's office said in part.

The statement concludes that Mr Kyerematen "remains resolute and firm in his beliefs to lead the NPP to Victory in 2016", and has therefore asked the public to reject it.

Read the full statement below:

ALAN IS STILL IN THE RACE

The attention of the office of Mr. John Alan Kyerematen has been drawn to a report circulating within the media of a purported discontinuity of his intentions to contest for the upcoming NPP flagbearership race.

We unequivocally deny the aforementioned publication and further stress that, neither Mr. Alan Kyerematen nor any of his confidants have granted any such interview with the Palaver newspaper or with any news outlet.

The story was first carried by palaver, a well-known pro NDC newspaper and widely circulated to other online portals. It is obvious that certain groups of persons are up to political mischief to tarnish the image of Mr. John Alan Kyerematen.

We urge the public and all supporters of Mr. Kyerematen to treat the said publication with outmost contempt and rejection. Per the directive of the National Council, the deadline for the filing of nomination is July 6, 2014 and Alan will pick the forms within the week

Mr. John Alan Kyerematen remains resolute and firm in his beliefs to lead the NPP to Victory in 2016 and to once again restore hope and confidence to the Ghanaian People.

…… Signed …..

Nana Ohene Ntow