The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, was at Manhyia Palace to address the chiefs of the Asanteman Traditional Council, following his summons.
Videos online shows Chairman Wontumi being accompanied by a high-powered delegation from his party, including the national chairman, Stephen Ayensu Ntim; the general secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua; the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah; the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Member of Parliament for Suame, Hon. Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu; and the Minister for Chieftaincy and Regional Integration, Stephen Asamoah Boateng.
While the Asanteman Council has received Chairman Wontumi and the delegation, an ongoing secret meeting is being held by the traditional council before engaging with them.
Background:
Chairman Wontumi has been declared wanted by the Asanteman Traditional Council, the second-highest decision-making body of the Asante Kingdom. This action was taken after he made comments during the vetting of parliamentary aspirants in the Ashanti Region that were perceived as challenging the authority of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Chairman Wontumi, along with private legal practitioner Maurice Ampaw, was supposed to appear before the Kumasi Traditional Council on Monday, January 29, 2024. However, Maurice Ampaw has indicated his unpreparedness to appear before the Council.