Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly called "Chairman Wontumi", has refuted reports that he has been summoned by the Overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for disrespecting him.
Reports of Chairman Wontumi allegedly making statements that suggest disrespect to Otumfuo and brings the King's reputation into disrepute surfaced on Monday, January 10, but Chairman Wontumi wants the general public to note that there has been no occasion where he nor his outfit has conducted themselves discourteously towards Otumfuo.
"The office of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has taken notice of a news report circulating on both the traditional and social media space, suggesting that I have acted in a manner that is disrespectful to His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
"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.
"I have never made any statement or gestures, before, during or after the vetting that should warrant such disgraceful and an unfounded reportage, and, I therefore, urge party faithfuls and the good people of Asanteman to respectfully, disregard this and treat it with the contempt it deserves", a statement issued by the NPP Chairman and copied to Peacefmonline read.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman has issued a stern warning to the media stations spreading the falsehood to, with immediate effect, "retract and apologize within 24 hours to my person and Manhyia Palace, through the same medium, or I will initiate a legal action against them".