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Wontumi upholds respect for Golden Stool – Chiefs confirm amidst allegations
In a recent development, Divisional Chiefs from the Kumasi Traditional Council praised Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, affirming his deep reverence for the Golden Stool and dismissing claims that he spoke against Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Several Chiefs highlighted Chairman Wontumi’s well-known humility toward the Golden Stool, contradicting allegations that emerged during the New Patriotic Party’s Parliamentary aspirant vetting.
Chairman Wontumi, accompanied by prominent NPP figures, appeared before the Kumasi Traditional Council on January 29, 2024, to address these accusations.
During the session, the Council also admonished Nana Kwaku Duah, Chief of Kokosu, for engaging in active politics, a violation of the Ghanaian Constitution barring Chiefs from partisan involvement.
The Kokosu Chief accused Chairman Wontumi of making derogatory remarks against Asantehene during a political altercation.
Chairman Wontumi denied all allegations, while the Kokosu Chief’s request to present witnesses was denied.
The Council deliberated on the matter, with some Chiefs suggesting that the Kokosu Chief must choose between his role as a chief and a politician.
Addressing Chairman Wontumi’s statement about owning a kingdom, some Divisional Chiefs argued that it was taken out of context, emphasizing the political nature of the statement.
They underscored Chairman Wontumi’s consistent praise for the Asantehene in various forums, challenging the allegations against him.
One of the Chiefs said, “Chairman Wontumi made these comments at a political event, asserting his political influence. It’s crucial not to lend undue weight to his statements. While there were allegations of him speaking against the Asantehene, it’s worth noting that Chairman Wontumi has also expressed admiration for the Asantehene on radio talk shows. Connecting the Asantehene to these issues may not be warranted.”
Another chief asserted that the term “kingdom” used in the statement is broad. I checked its definition before this discussion, and it encompasses the state, country, and political realms. When Chairman Wontumi refers to a kingdom, he might specifically mean the NPP, and it could be misconstrued. It’s not crucial for the Council to deliberate extensively on this issue.”
Prominent NPP figures, including Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensah, Majority Leader Osei Kyei Mensah Bonsu, National Chairman Stephen Ntim, General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua, National Organizer Henry Nana Boakye, National Treasurer Dr. Charles Dwamena, and other regional executives, were present at the meeting.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
