The Prodigal Son Returns: ‘Humble’ Wontumi pays homage to Asantehene

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, a.k.a. Chairman Wontumi, has for the first time been captured in public with the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II since he was accused of disrespecting the king of Asanteman months ago. Chairman Wontumi, together with other leading figures of the NPP, accompanied the flagbearer of the party, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, when he called on the Asanteman, on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Visuals of the engagement, shared by Kumasi-based Opemsuo Radio on social media, showed Wontumi kneeling before the Otumfuo as he greeted him. The reverence the NPP chairman had for the Ashanti Kingdom was evident as he shied from looking into the face of the king as he (Otumfuo) muttered some words to him. Chairman Wontumi was accused of disrespecting Otumfuo Osei Tutu II by one of the sub-chiefs of the Asantehene - the Kokosohene, Nana Kwaku Duah, in January 2024. Nana Kwaku Duah accused Wontumi of challenging the authority of the A santehene and saying that he (Wontumi) had his own kingdom in Asanteman. The NPP regional chairman vehemently denied disrespecting the Asantehene, saying that he would never even think of it. He said that the kingdom he made reference to was a "political kingdom" and not a kingdom like that of the Otumfuo. The Asanteman Traditional Council summoned the NPP regional chairman over the matter but subsequently cleared him of any wrongdoing after cautioning him to be careful about his remarks about the Otumfuo. However, the curse placed on the Kokosohene by Wontumi over the allegation remains unresolved until a comprehensive settlement is reached by Manhyia. Source: Ghana Web