Ashanti Region NPP youth ban Chairman Wontumi

In response to alleged disrespectful remarks made by Mr Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as ‘Wontumi’, the Ashanti Youth group has taken action. During a press conference in Kumasi on Wednesday, January 17th, 2024, the youth announced a ban on Chairman Wontumi, who serves as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The ban comes after accusations that Chairman Wontumi claimed to have “built his own kingdom with military and police force in the Asante Kingdom.” Expressing their dissatisfaction, the youth not only prohibited Chairman Wontumi from entering the Ashanti Region, but also from accessing the Manhyia Palace and other palaces within the region. This decision was made in response to what the youth describe as an “uncalled-for” outburst and a display of disrespect towards the golden stool, as stated by the Ashanti Regional chairman.

During the press conference, Mr Eugene Oppong, a spokesperson for the irate youth, demanded a public apology from Chairman Wontumi before considering his re-entry into the Asanteman. Mr Oppong emphasized that Chairman Wontumi’s comments were disrespectful to the Asante Kingdom, particularly the Golden Stool, and therefore required an unqualified apology. The controversy arose during the vetting of NPP parliamentary aspirants in the Ashanti region. It was alleged that Chairman Wontumi claimed to have “built his own kingdom with military and police force in the Asante Kingdom.” This statement reportedly came after a confrontation between the regional Chairman and the Manhyia South Organiser for the NPP, Alhaji Abuba.

The Chief of Kokoso, Nana Kwaku Duah, who also serves as the Council of Elders Chairman for Manhyia South and was part of the vetting committee, reportedly confronted Wontumi, asserting that in the Asante Kingdom, apart from Asantehene, no one owns a kingdom. However, Wontumi purportedly insisted that he had the right to express his opinions within the Asante Kingdom, even if they differed from those of Asantehene.