The Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti region, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, has responded to allegations suggesting that Ashantis harbor dislike for northerners.

Chairman Wontumi has vehemently rejected such claims made by certain presidential aspirants, asserting their falsehood.

He made it clear that Ashantis hold no animosity towards northerners and emphasized that such accusations are baseless.

“Ashantis don’t have problems with northerners…this can never be true. If you go to Manhyia palace, which hosts the Ashanti King, you will find northerners all over… we don’t discriminate…so if there’s anyone that says Ashantis don’t like northerners, it’s never true”, he said.

Chairman Wontumi highlighted the presence of northerners in various aspects of Ashanti society, even mentioning their presence at Manhyia Palace, the residence of the Ashanti King, where they are welcomed without discrimination.

During a press conference held in Kumasi, the Ashanti region's governor emphasized that if Ashantis indeed had any aversion to northerners, they would not have warmly received individuals like Dr. Bawumia during the Akwasidae festival.

He pointed out that this annual festival is of significant cultural importance in the Ashanti region and that the presence of Dr. Bawumia, a northerner, at the Manhyia Palace during the Akwasidae festival contradicts any allegations of bias against northerners.

Chairman Wontumi also highlighted the fact that even prominent figures like Kennedy Agyapong, who is of Akan descent, have not attended such a prestigious event on the Ashanti calendar, further emphasizing the inclusivity and openness of Ashanti culture.

“It’s interesting to note that even Kennedy Agyapong who is an Akan never attended such a great festival on the Ashanti calendar, like the Akwasidae festival. Yet, the northern he claims we hate like Dr. Bawumia, was present at Manhyia palace during the akwasiade festival. This is a clear indication that whatever he said are lies”, he added.