Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has for the umpteenth time pleaded innocent over allegations of derogatory remarks against the Ashanti Kingdom.

Chairman Wontumi on Monday arrived at Manyhia Palace to engage members of the Kumasi Traditional Council over the aforesaid claim.

Chairman Wontumi has been on the wanted list of the second-highest decision-making body of the Asante Kingdom, comprising traditional leaders.

On Thursday, January 22, 2024, the Kumasi Traditional Council directed the NPP, led by its General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, to produce Chairman Wontumi for an appearance regarding alleged derogatory remarks against the Asantehene.

This directive follows a confrontation between Mr. Antwi Boasiako and the Kokosohene, Nana Kwaku Dua, during the recent vetting of parliamentary aspirants in the Ashanti region.

Despite Chairman Wontumi's denial of the accusations, he was invited by the traditional council for a hearing, which he failed to attend citing health reasons.

The NPP national leadership, seeking more time, appeared before the Council and was instructed to ensure Chairman Wontumi's presence within one week.

And before the Council today, he reiterated his earlier submission that he never insulted the Ashanti kingdom as alleged.

"Everybody knows that I am tough on politicians, but I can never disrespect royalties. I can never say those things. It is not true that I spew those words. That is why I decided to swear and let the outcome of my oath determine my innocence," he said.

Following his statement, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has been cleared of allegations of disrespecting the Ashanti stool.