JFK & Andy Owusu
In a startling revelation, Andy Owusu, a political aide to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Bosiako, popularly known as Wontumi, has accused a faction of Ashanti Regional Executives and some National Officers of orchestrating a scheme to oust Wontumi from his position.
In an exclusive interview with Akuoko on Kessben FM in Kumasi, Andy alleged that a group within the party is fueling the ongoing feud between Chairman Wontumi and the Asanteman Council, with the ultimate goal of removing him from his role as the Regional Chairman.
The political aide claimed that the recent gathering at Manhyia by the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) was part of this plot, designed to embarrass Chairman Wontumi and diminish his influence in the region. He emphasized the potential consequences, stating, “Can you imagine what would have happened to Chairman Wontumi if he was found guilty? He would have been banished for talking down on the occupant of the golden stool.”
However, Wontumi was acquitted and discharged, leading Andy to declare victory. He hinted at an upcoming press conference where all those involved in the alleged plot would be named.
In his accusations, Andy specifically praised Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B), the National Organizer, but singled out Justin Frimpong Koduah, the Chief Scribe and leader of the delegation to Manhyia Palace, for mentioning subtly insinuating that Justin Koduah was the master-minder of Wontumi’s troubles.
Andy drew parallels between Justin Koduah’s role and that of Judas Iscariot in the Bible, suggesting betrayal for personal gain. He questioned Koduah’s statement before the Kumasi Council Court, insinuating ulterior motives against Chairman Wontumi.
“What was Justin Koduah’s motive for telling Nananom that if Chairman Wontumi fails to avail himself to be brought to the palace, the NPP would have done their bid, and such shouldn’t be held responsible?” Andy questioned, implying a hidden agenda against the regional chairman.
He accused the group of planning to pit Chairman Wontumi against Manhyia to provoke the Traditional Authorities, hoping for a banishment that would clear the way for their own interests. However, he claimed that luck was on Wontumi’s side, comparing the situation to the biblical story of Joseph in Egypt.
“I cherish my Asante things than breaking the eight. My loyalty is with my Asante, not breaking the eight,” stated Andy Owusu, suggesting that there was a coordinated effort to create a conflict between Chairman Wontumi and Manhyia to prompt the Kumasi Traditional Authorities to take drastic measures.
As the allegations unfold, the NPP faces internal tensions, with Andy Owusu vowing to expose further details during the impending press conference. The party leadership is yet to respond to these accusations, and the political landscape in the Ashanti Region remains tense.
Meanwhile, the Antoa Nyama ‘deity’ has declined the subtle invitation to interfere with the Kumasi Traditional Council’s perceived biased hearing. It has refused to overturn the spell cast on Nana Kwaku Duah, the Kokoso Chief, by Chairman Wontumi, who accused him of making disparaging comments about Asantehene Otumfuo Osei II.
Chairman Wontumi vehemently denied the allegations before the dispute resolution Chiefs at the Antoa shrine, creating an impression that the Kumasi Traditional Council had resolved the case in his favor.
Nana Kwaku Duah, however, maintained that Wontumi made the disparaging statement against the Ashanti Kingdom’s overlord before about 40 people in the vetting room.
The Chief priest of Antoa, expressing discomfort with the Kumasi Traditional Council’s handling of the case, refused to reverse the curse. He cited a lack of transparency in the resolution of the case at Manhyia Palace on January 29, 2024, by the Kumasi Traditional Council.
The Chief priest directed the delegation to return and readdress the case, urging the guilty party to confess for forgiveness.
Upon the Chief Priest’s decision, some individuals in the delegation knelt to plead with Nana Kwaku Duah to allow the Chief priest to reverse the curses. However, he objected, insisting that the entire truth must be revealed to vindicate his earlier stance on the matter.
The delegation that appeared before the Antoa Chief Deity Chief priest included the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, Agric Nzemahene Nana Nkansah Boadu, Chief of Kokoso Nana Kwaku Duah, and Otumfuo’s linguist Baffour Kantankrakyi, among others.
The timeline for the Kumasi Traditional Council to reconvene and fairly hear the case at Manhyia Palace remains unknown.
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