Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been cleared of allegations of disrespecting the Ashanti stool.
Chairman Wontumi had been accused of making some derogatory remarks against the Ashanti Kingdom and Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Following the remarks, Chairman Wontumi had been on the wanted list of the Kumasi Traditional Council.
Earlier, he was scheduled to meet the Council; however, due to ill health, as disclosed by the Leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), he was unable to do so. An ultimatum for Mr. Wontumi to appear before the council by January 29, 2024, was issued, of which he honored.
It was at the January 29 meeting with the chiefs that Chairman Wontumi was cleared of any wrongdoing.
A video shared by Kumasi-based Oyerepa TV showed the Chiefs addressing the matter. In the said video, one of the chiefs argued in favor of Wontumi and further cleared him of any wrongdoing.
He further cautioned the accuser, Kokosuhene, Nana Kwaku Duah, to refrain from bringing political issues to the Manhyia Palace.
“The constitution says that chiefs should refrain from active politics… when the comments were being made Nana Kokosohene should have left the moment, he heard Wontumi say that he cannot even challenge a statement made by the Okyeame – he shouldn’t have sat there,” the chief said in Twi.
The chief also said that Wontumi limited himself to a political kingdom which means his statement was only about the NPP and not Asantehene and the Asantehene.