GANTA, Nimba – Prominent businessman Prince Howard has dispelled widespread rumors that he is ill.

Howard, speaking via mobile phone to the Voice of Gompa radio station, called on the public to refrain from spreading negative information about him. He said several family members and friends had contacted him about his alleged illness.

“I am not sick, so let them stop carrying around false rumors, and let us see how we can take our country to another level,” Howard said.

He suggested that individuals spreading false information about his health were the very same people that were involved in damaging his properties during the September 30 riots and mob violence in Ganta.

During the upheaval, a motorcyclist was found murdered by several men in a manner that suggested that it was a ritualistic killing. When accosted by a crowd, one of the alleged murderers named Howard as the organizer, resulting in the crowd burning Howard’s Alvino Hotel, along with other properties. Police investigations into the incident have since cleared Howard of any involvement in the murder.

Howard said he is presently working overtime and consulting with investors to see how he can gather assistance in the restoration of his businesses.

“What happened in Nimba did not affect me alone, but has affected lots of people,” Howard said. “So we are lobbying for other people to benefit from what we have benefited from in the past.”

Meanwhile, Howard has dismissed rumors that the Nimba county administration is financing the ongoing renovations at his damaged Alvino Hotel.

Featured photo by Arrington Ballah