In response to disrespectful remarks made by Mr Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as ‘Wontumi’, the Ashanti Youth group has imposed a ban on the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
During a press conference held in Kumasi today, the youth group announced the ban following accusations that Chairman Wontumi claimed to have “built his own kingdom with military and police force in the Asante Kingdom.”
Expressing their displeasure, the youth not only banned Chairman Wontumi from the Ashanti Region but also prohibited his entry into the Manhyia Palace and any other palaces within the region.
A spokesperson for the irate youth, Mr Eugene Oppong, demanded a public apology from Chairman Wontumi before considering his acceptance back into the Asanteman.
Oppong emphasized that Chairman Wontumi’s comments were disrespectful to the Asante Kingdom, particularly the Golden Stool, and warranted an unqualified apology.
The controversy arose during the vetting of NPP parliamentary aspirants in the Ashanti region when Chairman Wontumi allegedly claimed to have “built his own kingdom with military and police force in the Asante Kingdom.”
The statement reportedly came after a confrontation between the regional Chairman and the Manhyia South Organiser for the NPP, Alhaji Abuba.
During the confrontation, the Chairman of the Council of Elders for Manhyia South, Nana Kwaku Duah, stated that besides the Asantehene, no one in the Asante Kingdom owns a kingdom.
However, Wontumi insisted that he had the right to express his opinions within the Asante Kingdom, even if they differed from those of Asantehene.
