The Ashanti Youth group has expressed its outrage over the disrespectful comments made by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Benard Antwi Bosiako, also known as “Chairman Wontumi”, about Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the revered king of the Asante Kingdom.
Wontumi’s Controversial Statement
According to the group, Wontumi said in an interview on 3rd January, 2024, that he had built his own kingdom, with his own police and military, and that he would speak his mind to Otumfuo if he disagreed with him on any issue. The group said that this statement was an insult to the authority and dignity of the Asantehene, who is the custodian of the Asante culture and tradition.
They said that Wontumi made this statement during the vetting of NPP’s parliamentary aspirant for Manhyia South constituency, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, at the party office in Asokwa. The group alleged that Wontumi was trying to impose his preferred candidate on the constituency, against the wishes of the majority of the party members and the electorate.
Call for Ban and Apology
The group, in a press conference held on Wednesday, 17th January, 2024, at the Regional House of Chiefs-Manhyia, demanded that Wontumi should be banned from entering the Manhyia Palace, the seat of the Asantehene, and any other traditional area under the Asante Kingdom. They also called on Wontumo to publicly apologize to Otumfuo and Asanteman for his disrespectful remarks.
The group said that Wontumi had shown disregard for the role and influence of Otumfuo in the political and social affairs of the country, especially in the Ashanti region, where the NPP enjoys massive support. They said that Wontumo had forgotten that Otumfuo was instrumental in resolving the electoral dispute that arose after the 2020 general elections, which gave the NPP a second term in office.
The group warned that if Wontumi did not heed their call, they would mobilize the youth and the market women of Asanteman to stage a massive demonstration against him and the NPP. The group said that they would not tolerate any form of disrespect or attack on the person and institution of Otumfuo, who is the symbol of unity and peace in the Asante Kingdom and Ghana as a whole.
Reaction from NPP and Wontumi
The NPP has not officially responded to the allegations and demands of the Ashanti Youth group. However, some sources within the party have indicated that the party leadership is not happy with Wontumi’s statement and is considering taking disciplinary action against him.
Wontumi, on the other hand, has denied making any insulting remarks about Otumfuo. He said that his statement was taken out of context and twisted by his political opponents to tarnish his image and create division within the party and the Asante Kingdom. Wontumi said that he respects and reveres Otumfuo as his father and king, and that he would never do anything to undermine his authority or reputation.
He said that he was only expressing his opinion on some issues affecting the party and the region, and that he was ready to defend his position with facts and evidence. He said that he was not afraid of any ban or demonstration, and that he would continue to work hard for the development of the party and the region.
Despite the heated exchange of words and threats, there is still hope for peace and dialogue among the parties involved. Some elders and chiefs of the Asante Kingdom have intervened to calm the situation and prevent any violence or chaos. They have appealed to both Wontumi and the Ashanti Youth group to exercise restraint and respect for Otumfuo and the Asante tradition.
They have also urged them to seek dialogue and reconciliation, and to avoid any actions that could jeopardize the stability and harmony of the Asante Kingdom and the country.
Source: Modern Ghana
