Private Legal Practitioner, Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, has contended that the authority to verbally summon individuals resides exclusively with the Supreme Court.

Speaking to Joy FM, the NPP member expressed uncertainty regarding the grounds for his own summons but affirmed his readiness to comply with the Kumasi Traditional Council's invitation.

"Only the Supreme Court has the right to summon anyone verbally. I don't even know why I am being called. I will go on Monday out of respect, as I speak, I do not know which issue is at stake, which comments I have made” he added.

NPP vs Manhyia: Only the Supreme Court has the right to summon anyone verbally. I don't even know why I am being called.- Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, Private Legal Practitioner #TopStory— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) January 22, 2024

The Kumasi Traditional Council issued a one-week ultimatum to the NPP leadership to present Chairman Wontumi, also known as Bernard Antwi Boasiako, before the Manhyia Palace.

This directive follows alleged derogatory remarks made by Chairman Wontumi about the Asantehene approximately two weeks ago.

Chairman Wontumi is expected to appear alongside Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, who is similarly accused of making derogatory statements on radio.

The lawyer strongly criticized the chiefs of the Ashanti Kingdom for summoning Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi.

During an appearance on the 'Mmra ne Abrabo' show on Wontumi TV, the lawyer accused the chiefs of engaging in questionable activities such as theft and girlfriend snatching.

He contended that these chiefs are unworthy of discussing Chairman Wontumi, citing allegations of multiple land sales among them.

“The chiefs ‘dragging’ Chairman Wontumi, have you finished solving your problems? Some of you are thieves,” he claimed.

Mr Ampaw questioned the chiefs' priorities, suggesting they should focus on resolving their own issues before scrutinizing Chairman Wontumi.

HOT AUDIO 🔥🔥🔥Leading NPP Member, Maurice Ampaw insults Ashanti Chiefs; calls them thieves and girl friend snatchers pic.twitter.com/l8OdXtmLPG— Berry ☯︎ (@fanti_boy) January 22, 2024

However, maintaining his stance on the comments made before the summons, Mr Ampaw asserted that he spoke in the public interest.

"I did it in the public interest. It is a matter of public interest. Everything that I said there, I am responsible. Chairman Wontumi is not responsible. If the Traditional Council deems it fit to invite me, they should provide better particulars,” he said.

He emphasized his responsibility for the statements and calls on the Traditional Council to provide better particulars if an invitation is deemed necessary.

Meanwhile, in response to the escalating conflict, the NPP has instructed its members to refrain from making sensitive comments about the Manhyia Palace.