Controversial media figure Blakk Rasta has condemned the Ashanti regional chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, for reportedly disrespecting the king of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Blakk Rasta expressed strong disapproval of Chairman Wontumi’s comments, which appear to undermine the authority of Otumfuo, deeming them deplorable and unacceptable given the revered status of the Ashanti Kingdom.
He rebuked Chairman Wontumi for his lack of respect toward Otumfuo, emphasizing that his popularity and wealth should not lead him into a conflict with the Asantehene.
During the UrbanBlend show, monitored by GhanaWeb, Blakk Rasta urged Otumfuo to address Chairman Wontumi, whom he labeled as “arrogant,” so that he could learn a lesson about speaking against authorities.
“You cannot disrespect Asantehene [Otumfuo Osei Tutu II]. Even if he strips naked and runs around like David, respect the throne that he sits on. That kingdom is so historically powerful and bigger than Asantehene. So, if you disrespect the Asantehene, you are not only disrespecting one king, you are disrespecting all the kings that ever sat on the throne, and you are disrespecting that ancient kingdom.
“How on earth should Chairman Wontumi open his mouth because of some dirty galamsey money that he has, sit back and say that he has built his own kingdom and that you have your police, you have your military, and that Asantehene cannot order you around? It means that I will spew every kind of nonsense into your face and tell you anything that I want to. That’s what it means,” he said.
In addition, he urged President Akufo-Addo to see to it that Chairman Wontumi is held accountable for his derogatory remarks.
“Apart from Asantehene summoning the arrogant Chairman Wontumi, I call upon the president of the country [Akufo-Addo]. If he’s truly the president and is in charge, you need to call this man to book.”
Background
Chairman Wontumi is said to have received summons from the Manhyia Palace for allegedly undermining Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene.
Onuaonline.com reported that Wontumi questioned the Asantehene’s authority last week at a meeting of the NPP parliamentary primaries vetting committee.
According to the report, the party chairman declared, “I have established my kingdom,” and he would not think twice to challenge the Asantehene if he disagreed with him on any matter. He made this declaration without being provoked.
“I have built my own kingdom, I have my own police and military, and I will speak my mind to Otumfuo if I disagree on an issue with him (Otumfuo)” the report quoted Wontumi as stating.
The incident report highlighted the involvement of Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organiser of the NPP and chairman of the vetting committee, during the incident.
Nana Kwaku Duah, Kokosohene, who was also present at the time, reportedly expressed strong disapproval of Wontumi’s statement.
“For you to even say those words in my presence is unacceptable, and I’m not happy about your weird and disrespectful behaviour,” Kokosohene reportedly fumed at Wontumi.
The Asanteman Traditional Council is reported to have written to Justin Frimpong Kodua, the General Secretary of the NPP, after the incident to arrange for Chairman Wontumi’s appearance at the Manhyia Palace and to provide an explanation for his alleged disrespect for Otumfuo.
In response to the claims, Chairman Wontumi urged the general public to disregard the information because there was no way he could disrespect Otumfuo insisting that “it is a calculated attempt by some elements to bring disunity between himself and Otumfuo.”