A video on social media platform, X, indicates that Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has arrived at Manyhia Palace to engage members of the Kumasi Traditional Council on allegations of derogatory remarks levelled against him.
Chairman Wontumi has been on the wanted list of the second-highest decision-making body of the Asante Kingdom, comprising traditional leaders.
On Thursday, January 22, 2024, the Kumasi Traditional Council directed the NPP, led by its General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, to produce Chairman Wontumi for an appearance regarding alleged derogatory remarks against the Asantehene.
This directive follows a confrontation between Mr. Antwi Boasiako and the Kokosohene, Nana Kwaku Dua, during the recent vetting of parliamentary aspirants in the Ashanti region.
Despite Chairman Wontumi’s denial of the accusations, he was invited by the traditional council for a hearing, which he failed to attend citing health reasons.
The NPP national leadership, seeking more time, appeared before the Council and was instructed to ensure Chairman Wontumi’s presence within one week.
An invitation letter signed by the Registrar of the Council, Kwame Adusei Agyemang, has been issued to Nananom for the meeting scheduled on Monday, January 29, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Chairman Wontumi, despite citing health issues for missing the initial invitation, was seen at the NPP’s Parliamentary Primaries on Saturday, January 27, 2024, claiming to be in good health.
The attendance of Chairman Wontumi at Monday’s meeting earlier in the day was in doubt. But reports indicate that he is with a delegation including the Minister of Parliamentary affairs, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, NPP National Chairman Stephen Ntim, and the party’s General Secretary Justin Frimpong Koduah (JFK), at Manhyia.