Malicious And Misleading – Wontumi Denies Disrespecting Otumfuo
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Bosiako, widely known as Wontumi, has vehemently denied allegations of disrespecting the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The Manhyia Palace had reportedly summoned Wontumi following his actions during the NPP’s vetting of parliamentary aspirants, where he allegedly challenged the authority of the Asantehene.
In a statement released by Wontumi’s office, he addressed the news reports circulating in traditional and social media, branding them as “false, malicious, misleading, and a calculated attempt” to create discord between him, the ruling party, and the Asantehene.
The statement clarified that Wontumi never made any statements or gestures during or after the vetting process that could be interpreted as disrespectful to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Wontumi asserted his commitment to traditions and customs, emphasizing his deep respect for traditional authorities.
Wontumi expressed his disbelief in the credibility of the reports, highlighting the lack of evidence provided by the media outlets that circulated the story. He accused certain elements, particularly NDC-sponsored news outlets, of orchestrating a calculated move to tarnish his reputation.
READ: NPP’s Wontumi Summoned By Manhyia Palace For Challenging Otumfuo’s Authority
The NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman urged party members and the people of Asanteman to disregard the allegations, treating them with the contempt they deserve. Wontumi declared his dedication to serving both the NPP and the Golden Stool with pride and dignity.
In response to the allegations, Wontumi issued an ultimatum to the Punch newspaper, Broadcastergh.com, and AkomaFM/Onuaonline, demanding a retraction and an apology within 24 hours. Failure to comply would result in Wontumi initiating legal action against the media outlets.
READ: Kwesi Nyantakyi Breaks Silence On ‘Akufo-Addo Is In My Pocket’ Statement
Closing the statement, Wontumi affirmed his focus and determination to lead the NPP in the Ashanti Region, expressing confidence in breaking the eight-year cycle and supporting Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s presidential bid in 2025. Despite the allegations, Wontumi remains resolute in his commitment to the party and the region.
Read The Wontumi’s Statement Below:
The office of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has taken notice of a news report circulating on both the traditional and social media space, suggesting that I have acted in a manner that is disrespectful to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Specifically, the said news report was carried on Monday, 10th January, 2024 edition of the Punch newspaper and also on AkomaFM/Onuaonline, both an NDC sponsored news outlets.
Captioned “Wontumi Disrespected Otumfuo at NPP Vetting” on the front page of the NDC’s Punch newspaper, the said story sought to suggest that, I made those comments during a vetting process of NPP Parliamentary aspirants, last week.
First, I would like to place on record that, this story is false, malicious, misleading and a calculated attempt by some elements to pitch the ruling party and my good self against the Asantehene, the occupant of the Golden stool, for reasons best known to them.
I have never made any statement or gestures, before, during or after the vetting that should warrant such disgraceful and an unfounded reportage, and, I therefore, urge party faithfuls and the good people of Asanteman to respectfully, disregard this and treat it with the contempt it deserves.
What was laughable is the fact that the writers and sponsors of this malicious venture, could not even provide any evidence to buttress their points as they hid behind “it is alleged”, “he is reported to have…”, but could not make a definite statement in their reportage.
This clearly indicates that this was a calculated move targeted at my person by some NDC media outlets and their sponsors, just to tarnish my reputation.
As nature would give it, I come from a home with strong understanding of traditions and customs, respect for traditional authorities, and graciously, I have the privilege to serve my party in a capacity as the regional Chairman in the Asante Kingdom.
With my years of service to the golden stool as the regional chairman, I have served with pride and in dignity to the Asantehene, and, there have never been any moment that my actions and inactions have suggested insubordination to the occupant of the golden stool because I serve the NPP and ultimately the Golden Stool.
I am by this medium giving the PUNCH newspaper, Broadcastergh.com and AkomaFM/Onuaonline, to retract and apologize within 24 hours to my person and Manhyia Palace, through the same medium, or I will initiate a legal action against them.
I am focused, well resolved and well placed to lead the party in the region to break the 8, and make Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the next President of the republic of Ghana, in 2025, therefore, such detractive elements cannot weigh me down.
Thank You
Signed
Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Wontumi)
(Regional Chairman, NPP-Ashanti)
