On Monday, January 29, 2024, at the Manhyia Palace, the Kumasi Traditional Council directed Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to appear before them as the chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region.
This is in response to reported disparaging comments he made about the Asantehene approximately two weeks prior.
Chairman Wontumi is anticipated to appear alongside Attorney Maurice Ampaw, who is also said to have made similar disparaging remarks on the radio.
Additionally, the Kumasi Traditional Council called in the management of the radio station where the comments were broadcast. Chairman Wontumi was supposed to appear at the Manhyia Palace today, January 22, 2024, but he was unable to do so due to health issues.
NPP Organizer Henry Nana Boakye and General Secretary Justin Kodua led a party delegation to the Manhyia Palace on his behalf.
When the Asantehene was not present, the Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia (VI), took the throne. The Kumasi Traditional Council had representatives from every faction present at the Palace.
The NPP General Secretary, speaking on behalf of Wontumi, begged that the accused had fallen ill and asked for two weeks to recuperate. It was thrown to the traditional council’s faction leaders to get their opinion, as tradition dictates.
The request to extend the period by two weeks was strongly opposed by all of the leaders who angrily spoke, as Wontumi had not produced a medical report to support his absence.
In addition, they brought in attorney Maurice Ampaw to defend Chairman Wontumi’s remarks against any supposed disparaging remarks.
The Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwaatia, made a final order and directed the chair of the Ashanti Regional NPP to appear before the traditional council on Monday of next week.
In addition, he gave the Wontumi Radio Management and Maurice Ampaw instructions to show up on the same day.
The NPP General Secretary expressed his gratitude to the traditional authority and reaffirmed his respect for the Golden Stool in a final statement.
He separated the celebration from Maurice Ampaw’s invitation. We have not yet heard the merits of the substantive issue.
