The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has categorically denied recent allegations of disrespect towards His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
In a statement released on Thursday January 11 2024, Chairman Wontumi asserted that he has never made any statements or gestures before, during, or after the New Patriotic Party Ashanti region vetting process that could be construed as disrespectful to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party thus urged party faithfuls and the people of Asanteman to disregard the allegations and treat them with the contempt they deserve.
“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”.
Bernard Antwi Bosiako
Chairman Wontumi further criticized the lack of evidence provided by the writers and sponsors of the news report, stating that their reliance on phrases like ‘it is alleged’ and ‘he is reported to have’ are clear indication of lack of evidence in the news.
According to Chairmani Wontumi, the false news publication is a calculated move by some Natioanal Democratic Congress-affiliated media outlets to tarnish his reputation without substantial proof.
Highlighting his strong background in traditions and customs, Chairman Wontumi emphasized his respect for traditional authorities and his dedicated service to the Golden Stool.
He stated that throughout his years as the regional Chairman, his actions and inactions have never suggested insubordination to the occupant of the Golden Stool.
Chairman Wontumi Demands Apology From Some Media Outlets
On the serious note, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Bosiako has given the PUNCH newspaper, Broadcastergh.com, and AkomaFM and Onuaonline a 24-hour ultimatum to retract and apologize for publishing malicious and unsubstantiated news against him.
According to Chairman Wontumi, if the above mentioned media outlets fail to adhere to his directives within the stipulated 24 hour ultimatum, he would initiate legal action against them.
In concluding his statement, Chairman Wontumi reiterated his focus on leading the New Patriotic Party in the Ashanti Region to break the eight-year cycle and expressed determination to support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s bid for the presidency in 2025.
He emphasized that such detractive elements would not deter him from achieving his mission.
This development adds another layer to the intricate dynamics of regional politics, with Chairman Wontumi standing firm in his denial and demanding accountability from the media outlets involved.
The accusations surfaced in the Monday, 10th January, 2024 edition of the Punch newspaper and were echoed on AkomaFM/Onuaonline, which both according to Chairman Wontumi are affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
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