Kumasi Traditional Council Summons Wontumi, Maurice Ampaw

The Kumasi Traditional Council has instructed the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, to appear before it on Monday, January 29, 2024, in response to certain allegations leveled against him.

He has been ordered to come along with the show host of a weekly programme on Wontumi TV, Lawyer Maurice Ampaw as well as management of the media organisation.

Mr Boasiako known as Chairman Wontumi was expected before the Council today, January 22 at the Manhyia Palace together with the leadership of the NPP; however he missed the appointment due to “ill health”.

The NPP led by the General Secretary of the Party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, who conveyed the message about his health condition, failed to present any proof.

Speaking before the Council, Mr Kodua Frimpong said after scheduling their meeting with traditional authorities earlier, he received a phone call from Wontumi yesterday (January 21) to the effect that he was sick and had been admitted to a hospital where he is receiving treatment and could therefore not appear before the Council.

“I asked for a medical report but as of now I have not received it and we could not disrespect Nananom by not coming today.”

Among the NPP delegation were the National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, Deputy National Communication Director, Owusu Bempah and Regional and Constituency executives of the party.

He thus sought two weeks to bring the Regional Chairman.

Doubt
The alleged sickness of Wontumi left the various Divisions of the Council in doubt as they demanded a medical report and kicked against the two weeks’ request.

“Two weeks is too long. The case cannot wait any longer.”

Some divisions also criticized Maurice Ampaw, an employee of Wontumi for blindly rising to the defence of the latter and denigrating traditional rulers over his summon.

“Someone by the name Maurice Ampaw has disrespected us on Wontumi’s TV station over the summon we issued to him today. He used unprintable words on us. Who is Wontumi that we cannot summon here? The traditional media is meant to educate and impart knowledge not to disrespect traditional rulers,” the Akwamu Division decried.

Final Appearance
Bantamahene Baffuor Owusu Amankwatia VI who is now in charge of Kumasi after Otumfuo took a leave of absence, disagreed with the requested timeline and agreed with nananom and thus gave the NPP a week to appear before them with the Regional Chairman at all cost.

In his verdict after listening to the various divisions, he ruled that Chairman Wontumi come before the Council on Monday, January 29, 2024.

“We don’t know the charges yet since the accused could not come here today for the complainant to level his charges.”

He deems Chairman Wontumi’s no-show as disrespect towards traditional rulers but held, “We will imitate the patience Otumfuo uses in resolving cases. As a result, we will give him a week to come here. He should come here on Monday at 11 am.”

He continued, “He (Wontumi) should come along with Maurirce Ampaw and the Management of his media house so they answer why they decided to use their air time to disrespect Nananom.”