Ramsay defends Khama's presence on NGO board

Ramsay said the Constitution does not bar the head of state from serving as a board member of any organisation. He said it should be noted that Conservation International is a NGO. "So there is no conflict of interest," he said. He added that Khama has been a board member of the organisation since his days in the army.

Ramsay said the president did not boycott the SADC meeting in South Africa because plans for the US trip had long been made before the SADC summit. He said that though the SADC summit was convened at short notice, Botswana sent representatives. "The meeting was called at short notice and some countries were not able to attend. They sent representatives. We were actively represented by the vice president Mompati Merafhe," he said.