Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has vehemently refuted allegations of insulting the revered Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and the Asante Kingdom during the vetting of NPP parliamentary aspirants in the region.
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that Chairman Wontumi had made derogatory comments about the Asantehene during the vetting process. Nana Kwaku Duah, Chief of Kokoso and the Otumfuo’s Obremponhene, along with Manhyia South NPP Constituency Chairman Ofori Attah Tom-Tom, reportedly lodged an official complaint with the Kumasi Traditional Council.
Addressing the allegations on Wontumi Radio, Chairman Wontumi staunchly denied any wrongdoing, labeling the claims as false.
“I have a lot of respect for the Asantehene and the Asante Kingdom and will never do anything to run this kingdom down, never. All these allegations are not true; they are pure lies. I cannot do that. Anybody who wishes to lie can do it,” he asserted.
In response to the controversy, the Kumasi Traditional Council summoned Bernard Antwi Boasiako to appear before them on January 22 to address the alleged derogatory remarks made during the parliamentary aspirant vetting. The council requested the NPP leadership to ensure Mr. Boasiako’s presence the following Monday.
General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Kodua Frimpong, and the party’s National Organizer, Henry Nana Boakye, led regional party officers to the Manhyia Palace in response to the summons. NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong informed the Council that Chairman Wontumi is currently unwell, pleading for a two-week extension to allow Wontumi to honor the invitation.
But the chiefs expressed their displeasure and insisted that Chairman Wontumi must appear before the Council, even if he will come in a wheelchair.
