Manhyia clears Chairman Wontumi

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, has apparently been cleared by Manhyia Palace in the Ashanti Region about remarks he made that were deemed derogatory toward Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.

He has been counseled to act honorably in public and abstain from equating the ruler of the Ashanti Kingdom with anybody else.

Chairman Wontumi, who had led a delegation of notable NPP members to the Manhyia Palace, had denied fighting the Asantehene when the decision was taken.

Their visit was meant to interact with the Kumasi Traditional Council and resolve issues that had been raised by the supposedly derogatory remarks.

Nana Kokosohene, the accuser of Chairman Wontumi, was allegedly warned not to bring political issues to the Palace or involve politics in Chieftaincy matters at the meeting.

The council emphasized that it would be disrespectful and could cause misunderstandings and confusion to compare the Asantehene to any other individual.

The meeting’s outcome is important for Chairman Wontumi since the Kumasi Traditional Council asked for an explanation after he allegedly made disparaging remarks.

Following a fight between Chairman Wontumi and Nana Kwaku Dua, popularly known as Kokosohene, at the most recent screening of candidates for the Ashanti region’s parliament, the council had earlier issued an order requiring Wontumi to see them.

The Kumasi Traditional Council ordered the NPP to bring Chairman Wontumi in for a hearing on January 22, 2024. The purpose was to get answers and closure about Chairman Wontumi’s alleged derogatory remarks.

The NPP delegation is hoping that Chairman Wontumi would have a chance to address the issues brought up by the traditional council during the meeting at the Manhyia Palace.