The President, J.E.A. Mills has denied he and other government officials are living in luxurious hotels in the United Kingdom at great cost to the country. In an exclusive interview with Joy News' Israel Laryea, the president said the reports were malicious and unfair. The Statesman newspaper reported in its Thursday edition that the president is staying in an expensive hotel which charges about £1,300 a night. The paper also suggested the three-day trip will cost Ghana about GH¢300,000. But President Mills denied the claims saying most of the expenses will be borne by the British Government. “We are here as the guests of the British Government so everything is being provided by the British Government, the accommodation and all. “For people to give the impression that one has come from Ghana and has chosen where to live and is spending the scarce resources of Ghana is most unfortunate.” He said if newspapers published the truth, he had no problem “but don’t distort the truth, it doesn’t help anybody.” Meanwhile the UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown has reaffirmed his government’s continued support for the free maternity policy started under the previous administration. The programme enables pregnant women to receive free antenatal care. Mr. Brown made the pledge at a meeting with President Mills at the No 10 Downing Street. Story by Malik Abass Daabu/Myjoyonline.com