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Millennium Excellence Foundation (MEF) President, Ashim Morton says the use of “president” in the $100,000 offer made to expatriates for a reserved seat was in reference to him and not president Akufo-Addo.

He told the media at a news conference in Accra Wednesday, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo was not billed to attend the Ghana Expatriates Business Awards.

And there was nowhere in their letters to the expatriates did they state that the “president’s table was designated for the president of the Republic of Ghana.”

Mr Morton said the seats at the high table were designated for him as the president of MEF and not the president of Ghana.

But coincidentally when president Akufo-Addo decided to attend the event, he relinquished his seat to him, he explained to the media.

He was reacting to the controversy that has surrounded the awards held to celebrate the work of expatriates in the country.

The Trades Ministry has been accused of charging $100,000 from expatriates for a reserved sit with president Akufo-Addo.

The development has led to an urgent summon of Trades Minister Alan Kyeramaten to the Flagstaff House to respond to some questions about the scandal.

Deputy Trades Minister Carlos Arhinkorah has said monies received from the expatriates have been paid into the account of MEF.

Although he acknowledged the receipt of some monies, Mr Morton said: “I am not sure all the money was paid [into MEF account].”

He said part of the money has been retained at the Trades Ministry for further initiatives under the Ghana Expatriates Business Awards.

But the 18-seat high table was chosen for “distinguished Ghanaians” and expatriates “carefully selected,” he said.

He admitted a reserved seat for all the companies that agree to pay $100,000 was promised, but said: “no one paid before the event.”