Video: Chairman Wontumi arrives at Manhyia Palace 

Chairman Wontumi has arrived at Manhyia Palace this morning in response to summons. The delegation that accompanied him to meet the chiefs included the Minister of Parliamentary affairs, Osei Kyei Mensah, NPP National Chairman Stephen Ntim, and the party’s General Secretary Justin Koduah Frimpong.

Members of the Kumasi Traditional Council have been summoned to a significant meeting that will determine the future of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, who serves as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). This decision-making body, comprising traditional leaders, has expressed their desire for Chairman Wontumi to appear before them due to alleged derogatory remarks he made against the Asantehene.

The clash between Chairman Wontumi and Nana Kwaku Dua, the Kokosohene, during the vetting of parliamentary aspirants in the Ashanti region, triggered this situation. Despite denying the accusations, Chairman Wontumi did not attend the hearing summoned by the traditional council, citing health reasons. Consequently, the NPP national leadership was instructed to ensure his presence within one week.

After Wontumi Media issued an apology to the Kumasi Traditional Council for derogatory remarks made by a prominent lawyer on their media platforms, a report on www.wontumionline.com alleged that the Asantehene had instructed the council to cease the proceedings. However, reliable sources indicate that the council will reconvene on Monday, January 29, 2024, to make a definitive decision regarding Chairman Wontumi.

An invitation letter from the Council’s Registrar, Kwame Adusei Agyemang, informed the traditional leaders of the upcoming meeting and urged their attendance. Although Chairman Wontumi failed to respond to an earlier invitation due to health concerns, he was seen at the NPP’s Parliamentary Primaries on January 27, 2024, claiming to be in good health. It remains uncertain whether he will attend Monday’s meeting.

Nevertheless, sources at the Manhyia Palace confirm that the traditional rulers will make a decision regarding Chairman Wontumi, regardless of his presence. The Kumasi Traditional Council, as the largest traditional council in Ghana, holds significant influence and consists of chiefs from 77 suburbs of Kumasi. Acting President Bantamahene, Baffuor Owusu Amankwatiah VI, is expected to represent the Ashanti Kingdom’s overlord, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who was absent from the previous meeting.