Josiah
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has denied accusations of insulting the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the Asante Kingdom during the vetting of NPP parliamentary aspirants in the region.
Chairman Wontumi has been accused of making offensive comments about the Asantehene during the vetting process. Nana Kwaku Duah, Chief of Kokoso and the Otumfuo’s Obremponhene, along with Manhyia South NPP Constituency Chairman Ofori Attah Tom-Tom, reportedly lodged an official complaint with the Kumasi Traditional Council.
In response to the allegations, Chairman Wontumi emphasized his deep respect for the Asantehene and the Asante Kingdom. He categorically denied the accusations, labeling them as pure lies. Chairman Wontumi asserted his commitment to upholding the dignity of the kingdom, stating, “I have a lot of respect for the Asantehene and the Asante Kingdom and will never do anything to run this kingdom down, never.”
The Kumasi Traditional Council summoned Bernard Antwi Boasiako on January 22 over the alleged derogatory remarks. The Council directed the NPP leadership to ensure Chairman Wontumi’s appearance before it on the following Monday to address the reported comments made during the vetting of parliamentary aspirants in Manhyia South.
The NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, and the National Organizer, Henry Nana Boakye, accompanied by some regional party officers, visited the Manhyia Palace in response to the issue. General Secretary Frimpong informed the Council that Chairman Wontumi was currently unwell and appealed for a two-week extension to allow the party to facilitate Wontumi’s attendance.
Despite the plea, members of the council, representing the Ashanti Kingdom clan, expressed outrage and insisted that Chairman Wontumi must appear before the Council, even if it requires him to use a wheelchair.
Source: Omanghana.com
