In a significant turn of events, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, commonly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been exonerated by the Kumasi Traditional Council. The Council dismissed allegations that Chairman Wontumi made derogatory remarks against the Asantehene, Otumfuor Osei Tutu II, during the NPP’s parliamentary vetting process.
The controversy began when Kokosohene, Nana Kwaku Duah, accused Chairman Wontumi of disrespecting the Asantehene. These allegations prompted a formal inquiry by the Kumasi Traditional Council, a revered institution in Ashanti Region’s sociopolitical landscape.
Chairman Wontumi, alongside key NPP figures including Majority Leader Osei-Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, National Chairman Stephen Ntim, and General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua, appeared before the Council to address these claims. Asserting his innocence, Chairman Wontumi labeled the allegations as unfounded and malicious, categorically denying any disrespect towards the Asantehene.
Despite Kokosohene Nana Kwaku Duah’s defense of his allegations, the Council, led by Bantamhene Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, ultimately found the claims unsubstantiated. In his judgment, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI emphasized the importance of keeping traditional chiefs out of political activities, especially during the heightened tensions of campaigning in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.
The Council’s decision to exonerate Chairman Wontumi was not just a resolution of a personal dispute but a significant moment in the interaction between traditional authority and modern political structures. It underscored the Council’s role as a mediator and upholder of cultural and ethical standards in the Ashanti Region.
Following the judgment, the Council appealed for peace and calm, especially as it gears up for the significant occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Asantehene’s reign. This celebration is a milestone for the Ashanti kingdom, symbolizing the enduring strength and relevance of traditional leadership in contemporary Ghana.
The case against Chairman Wontumi attracted widespread attention, given the Asantehene’s esteemed position in Ghanaian society and the political ramifications involving a high-ranking member of the NPP. The Council’s decision to clear Chairman Wontumi of the charges not only resolved a potential conflict but also reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to impartiality and justice.
This incident also highlights the delicate balance between traditional authority and political activities in Ghana. The Kumasi Traditional Council’s intervention and subsequent ruling serve as a reminder of the influence and respect accorded to traditional institutions, which continue to play a crucial role in resolving disputes and maintaining social harmony.
In conclusion, the exoneration of Chairman Wontumi by the Kumasi Traditional Council closes a chapter of contention between traditional authority and political figures in Ghana. The Council’s role in adjudicating this matter reflects the continued relevance of traditional structures in modern governance. As the Ashanti Region prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Asantehene’s reign, this resolution reinforces the harmony and respect essential for the coexistence of traditional and political realms in Ghana’s vibrant democracy.
