The New Patriotic Party (NPP) leader in the Ashanti Region, Bernard Antwi Bo has been directed to make a mandatory appearance before the Kumasi Traditional Council at the Manhyia Palace on Monday, January 29, 2024.

This directive stems from the purported derogatory comments attributed to Chairman Wontumi against the Asantehene approximately two weeks ago.

Chairman Wontumi is anticipated to present himself alongside Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, both facing allegations of making comparable derogatory remarks on radio.

The Kumasi Traditional Council has summoned the management of the radio station where the controversial comments were made.

Chairman Wontumi was initially expected to make an appearance today, January 22, 2024, at the Manhyia Palace, however, he failed to for health reasons.

On his behalf, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua and Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye led a party delegation to the Manhyia Palace.

The Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia (VI), in the absence of the Asantehene, sat in state.

All factions of the Kumasi Traditional Council were represented at the Palace.

Speaking on behalf of Wontumi, the NPP General Secretary pleaded that the accused had taken ill and requested two weeks for his recovery.

As tradition demands, it was thrown to the faction leaders of the traditional council to have their take on the matter.

All leaders who spoke furiously disagreed with the request for the two weeks since Wontumi had failed to present a medical report to validate his absence.

They further drew in lawyer Maurice Ampaw for alleged derogatory statements in support of Chairman Wontumi's statement.

In passing final comments, the Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwaatia ordered that the Ashanti Regional NPP Chair appear before the traditional council next Monday.

He also ordered Maurice Ampaw and the Management of Wontumi Radio to be present on the same day.

In a concluding statement, the NPP General Secretary thanked the traditional authority and reiterated his reverence for the Golden Stool.

He dissociated the party from the invitation thrown to Maurice Ampaw.

The merits of the substantive issue are yet to be heard.