The Asantehene, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has reportedly instructed the Kumasi Traditional Council to stop pursuing the case of alleged disrespect by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, towards the Golden Stool and its occupant.
According to Wontumionline.com, the Asantehene made this directive after he learned that the Kumasi Traditional Council had summoned Chairman Wontumi to appear before them on Monday, January 29, 2024, to answer for his comments that were deemed offensive and insulting to the Asantehene and the Sika Dwa, the sacred golden stool that symbolizes the sovereignty and unity of the Asante people.
The Asantehene reportedly stated that Chairman Wontumi is his own grandson, and therefore, he would not subject him, the Asantehene or the Sika Dwa to any form of disrespect as alleged. He also said that he had not authorized anyone to summon Chairman Wontumi on any matter, and that he was very furious with the Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, for creating unnecessary tension in Asante ahead of the 150th anniversary celebration of the Sagrenti War and the 25th anniversary of his coronation.
The Sagrenti War, also known as the Third Anglo-Ashanti War, was fought between the British Empire and the Ashanti Empire from 1873 to 1874, and resulted in the British annexation of the Ashanti territory and the destruction of the royal palace in Kumasi. The Asantehene’s coronation took place on April 26, 1999, after he succeeded his late uncle, Otumfuo Opoku Ware II, as the 16th Asantehene of the Ashanti Kingdom.
It is believed that the Asantehene does not want Manhyia, the seat of the Asante monarchy, and the Golden Stool to be involved in petty partisan political issues, and that he prefers to maintain cordial relations with all political parties and leaders in the country.
The Kumasi Traditional Council, which is the largest and most influential traditional council in Ghana, comprises the chiefs and elders of the various towns and villages within the Kumasi metropolis.
The council has the power to summon, sanction, or banish any person who violates the customs and traditions of the Asante people, or who shows disrespect to the Asantehene or the Golden Stool.
The council had earlier invited Chairman Wontumi to appear before them on January 22, 2024, but he failed to show up, citing health reasons. He was represented by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua, and the Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, who pleaded for two weeks for his recovery. However, the council rejected their plea and rescheduled the meeting for January 29, 2024.
Chairman Wontumi, who is a wealthy businessman and a staunch supporter of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has been accused of making derogatory remarks about the Asantehene and the Golden Stool on his own radio station, Wontumi Radio, and on other media platforms. He has also been criticized for his abrasive and confrontational style of politics, and for allegedly inciting violence and intimidation against his opponents.
However, following the intervention of the Asantehene, it seems that Chairman Wontumi has been spared from any further action by the Kumasi Traditional Council, and that the case has been dropped. It is not clear whether Chairman Wontumi has apologized to the Asantehene or the Golden Stool, or whether he will refrain from making any more controversial statements in the future.