Members of the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) convened to have a crucial meeting on Monday, 29th January 2024, at the Manhyia Palace.
The meeting was aimed at deciding the fate of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Members of the second-highest decision-making body of the Asante Kingdom, whose membership is limited to traditional leaders, have become livid about the failure of Chairman Wontumi to honour their royal summons to appear before them.
This follows an altercation between Mr. Antwi-Boasiako and the Kokosohene, Nana Kwaku Dua, at the recent vetting of parliamentary aspirants in the Ashanti Region.
Even though Chairman Wontumi has denied the accusations, he was invited by the traditional council for a hearing, an invitation he failed to honour on health grounds last week.
The meeting, which was rescheduled for Monday, 29th January 2024, happened today, with Chairman Wontumi finally appearing before the traditional council.
Based on the accounts and narrations from the various parties, the council declared that Nana Kwaku Dua should vacate his position as the Chairman for the Council of Elders of the NPP for the Manhyia South Constituency. This is due to the unhappiness of members of the council regarding his conduct as a chief within the political space, particularly how he conducted himself during and after the incident.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman was, however, not found guilty in the allegations levelled against him, which had to do with him disrespecting the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has sent a high-powered delegation to the Manhyia Palace to present the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Mr Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to respond to an allegation against him.
Chairman Wontumi and the Party’s delegation
The delegation comprised the NPP National Chairman, Mr Stephen Ayensu Ntim; the General Secretary, Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua; the Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Simon Osei Mensah; the Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, who is also the Member of Parliament(MP) for Suame, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu; the Minister of Chieftaincy and Regional Integration, Mr Asamoah Boateng, among others.
It would be recalled that at the last sitting of the KTC chaired by Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI of Bantama, the council ordered NPP leadership to drag Chairman Wontumi to the Manhyia Palace, including the management and hosts of Wontumi TV/Radio, as well as Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, a private legal practitioner, who also hosts a programme on Wontumi TV.
Their invitation follows an accusation against Chairman Wontumi who is alleged to have disrespected Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Asanteman during a recent NPP vetting at Asokwa .
The allegation has, therefore, attracted public comments and a series of press statements and counter statements.
Already, the management of Multimedia has issued an unqualified apology to the Nananom of KTC over some unfortunate comments about chiefs.
There has been some misunderstanding between Otumfuo’s Kokosohene, Nana Kwaku Duah, who doubles as the Chairman for the Manhyia South NPP Council of Elders, and Chairman Wontumi.
Chairman Wontumi is said to have cursed Otumfuo’s Kokosohene with ‘antoa’ over the issue at stake.
The NPP National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has commented on Facebook that he can’t confirm whether or not this issue has attracted a rebuttal from the Manhyia South NPP Chairman, Ofori-Atta, aka Tomtom.
A credible news report reaching TNT Newspaper online indicates that the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, will go to Manhyia Palace today (29th January 2024) amid tight security.
Chairman Wontumi is expected to be led to the palace to meet Nananom of the Kumasi Traditional Council (KTC) by the General Secretary of the NPP, Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua, leading members of the party and some prominent citizens.
It would be recalled that at the last sitting of the KTC chaired by Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI of Bantama, the council ordered NPP leadership to drag Chairman Wontumi to the Manhyia Palace, including the management and hosts of Wontumi TV/Radio, as well as Lawyer Maurice Ampaw, a private legal practitioner, who also hosts a programme on Wontumi TV.
Their invitation follows an accusation against Chairman Wontumi who is alleged to have disrespected Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Asanteman during a recent NPP vetting at Asokwa .
The allegation has, therefore, attracted public comments and a series of press statements and counter statements.
Already, the management of Multimedia has issued an unqualified apology to the Nananom of KTC over some unfortunate comments about chiefs.
There has been some misunderstanding between Otumfuo’s Kokosohene, Nana Kwaku Duah, who doubles as the Chairman for the Manhyia South NPP Council of Elders, and Chairman Wontumi.
Chairman Wontumi is said to have cursed Otumfuo’s Kokosohene with ‘antoa’ over the issue at stake.
The NPP National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, has commented on Facebook that he can’t confirm whether or not this issue has attracted a rebuttal from the Manhyia South NPP Chairman, Ofori-Atta, aka Tomtom.
THE MEDIA
NSS HAS NOT PAID GH¢155 INSTEAD OF GH¢715 TO SERVICE PERSONNEL IN THE CENTRAL REGION. ALLEGATIONS ARE FALSE, UNFOUNDED, AND MALICIOUS.
Management of the National Service Scheme has taken notice of an allegation made by the outgoing Tema Metro President of the National Service Personnel Association (NASPA), Hamidu Apandago Mahamadu during a TV3 morning show programme on Thursday, January 25, 2024, that service personnel in the Central Region were paid GH¢155 as allowance instead of the approved GH¢715.57.
He also alleged that the Central Regional Executive, Cape Coast Metro President wrote to Management to address the matter, “but they didn’t get any response to that.” These allegations have since gained wide publications in the media
Management wishes to unequivocally state that service personnel in the Central Region have been paid full monthly allowances and arrears. Management has also not received any letter from the Central Regional Executive on any matter concerning unpaid allowances.
Therefore, the allegations are false, unfounded, and malicious, and must be disregarded with the contempt they deserve.
Management wishes to advise NASPA Executives at all levels to take advantage of the structured channels of communication available to them through their constitution to address issues that are unclear to them and should avoid making wild and unsubstantiated allegations and effusions in the media space.
Management will continue to operate an open-door policy with NASPA and support its activities in the interest of all our cherished and hardworking National Service Personnel.
—– END —–
Signed
AMBROSE ENTSIWAH JNR.
AG. DIRECTOR, CORPORATE AFFAIRS
The Church of Pentecost(CoP) is poised to saturate the media landscape, particularly the airwaves, with unadulterated Christian content in the next five years and beyond.
This vision has received a significant boost following the commencement of a test transmission of Pent Radio–Kumasi (100.1MHz) located at Asokwa in Kumasi, the first of the Pent Radio stations, ten years after the commencement of Pent TV and four years of Pentvars Radio (96.1FM – the campus broadcasting station of Pentecost University).
“In the next five years, we expect to begin operations in Takoradi, Tamale, and Accra, in addition to others that will be acquired soon for evangelisation of the gospel of Christ,” Pastor Dr. Felix Dela Klutse, Media Ministry Pastor of the Church, has said.
Pent Radio – Kumasi has “Yesu Nkoaa” as the tagline. The test transmission currently covers the entire Ashanti Region. It can also be tuned in from some parts of Bono Region (Sunyani and environs), Ahafo Region (Tepa, Kenyasi 1 & 2, Wioso, Hwidiem, Achiase, Bechem, Subriso, Goaso, Mim, Camp 1, Kuffuor Camp, and Tano Odumase), and Western North (Sefwi Bekwai, Bibiani, Chirano, Awaso, Datano, Pataboase Nkwanta, Ashiam, Sefwi Larwehkrom, Dwahse, and Ahwiaa). The rest are the Western Region (parts of Bogoso, Prestea, Himan, Oppong Valley) and Central Region (parts of Dunkwa and Wassa Mampong, Denkyira, Dunkwa Offin, and Diaso).
Pent Radio is expected to bring back and reinforce the signature tune of the Pentecost Hour program, “The fire is burning in my soul,” which members and the public looked forward to years ago. It will also be a testament to the work started by the church’s foremost Radio Pastor, Evangelist L. A. Nyarko, of blessed memory and built upon by subsequent ministers on the state broadcaster, GBC Radio, and other private radio stations.
Pastor Dr. Klutse stated that Pent Radio would redefine and augment the face of the church’s evangelistic activities since it will reinforce and play a key role in the admonition in the Bible that the gospel must be preached throughout all the corners of the world as well as set an agenda on issues of national interest.
“Radio is a powerful tool. It will move us from the four corners of the church auditoriums. We will use it to propagate the gospel, set an agenda, and unleash Kingdom values and principles in our attempt to transform lives in all spheres and possess the nations for Christ as part of the Vision 2028,” he said.
He stressed that Pent Radio would provide contemporary Christian and entertainment programs fit for the edification of the spiritual and moral lives of listeners with no compromise on innovation, excellence, and Christ-centeredness.
The Media Ministry Pastor opined that the Pent Radio stable would adopt a hybrid business model (Christian and business) with priority for Christian content. He emphasised that the business bit will help generate revenue through advertisement. He revealed that Areas, Districts, and Locals intending to use the services of the radio stations will be charged in line with approved rate cards on a case-by-case basis.
“As we speak now, we have already called for advertisements but will have to hold on until after the test transmission. We will not compromise on adverts that do not have bearings with the Christian ethics and values of the Church,” Dr. Klutse revealed.
He added that “going forward, we hope to liaise and streamline the operations of Pent Radio–Germany, Pent Radio–Qatar, Pent Radio–UK, Pent Radio–US, and Pentvars Radio to synchronise live broadcasts of the church’s official programs while providing training and equipping the staff for a better understanding and appreciation of the Media Ministry.”
Among other objectives, the Church aims to redefine, reshape, and correct erroneous doctrines of the gospel currently propagated by some charlatans.
Dr. Klutse further revealed that the Pent Radio stations shall be opened to all denominations for their preaching and other broadcast activities. “We are open to the use of all Christian groupings. We shall, however, vet and scrutinise their doctrines and message contents before granting approval,” he indicated.
Source:PENTECOST NEWS.
Private Legal Practitioner, Maurice Ampaw, has opted not to attend the invitation extended by the Kumasi Traditional Council, following allegations of making derogatory remarks against the Asantehene.
Alongside the New Patriotic Party (NPP) leadership, Mr Ampaw had been given a one-week ultimatum to present Chairman Wontumi, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, before the council at the Manhyia Palace.
In a recent response on Kasapa Radio, Ampaw clarified his decision, stating that he would not honor the invitation due to what he perceives as a verbal attack on his integrity.
Maurice Ampaw
Despite his initial intention to honour the invitation out of respect for Manhyia, Mr Ampaw expressed feeling insulted by certain traditional leaders, leading him to believe that his case had been prejudged without hearing his side.
“I’ve been insulted, and these assaults have been published all over social media, and my enemies are using it against me.
“I’ve been insulted on numerous media platforms. Nobody listened to my side of the story. So why do you expect me to be at Manhyia on Monday?” he questioned.
“You’ve already judged the case,” he added.
The lawyer’s decision not to attend the summons comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions surrounding the alleged derogatory remarks against the Asantehene.
While the Kumasi Traditional Council had given a one-week ultimatum for Ampaw and the NPP leadership to produce Chairman Wontumi, the legal practitioner’s refusal to attend adds a new dimension to the unfolding situation.
As the controversy continues, it remains to be seen how the Kumasi Traditional Council will respond to Ampaw’s decision and whether further actions will be taken to address the perceived insults against the Asantehene.Source: Myjoyonline.com
In a compelling speech delivered at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2024, Alex Dadey, Executive Chairman of the KGL Group of Companies, passionately emphasized the pivotal role that Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) play in Africa’s economic transformation. Mr. Dadey highlighted how these partnerships can address key challenges and propel the continent towards sustainable development and prosperity.
Alex Dadey, a renowned diasporan and entrepreneur commenced his address by emphasizing the significance of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
He emphasized that both sectors possess unique strengths and capabilities that, when harnessed together, can drive economic growth and foster a conducive environment for investment and innovation. Public-Private Partnerships, he asserted, have the potential to unlock new opportunities and reshape the African economic landscape.
He added, “For Africa to experience real economic growth, the private sector must lead, thrive and also be resilient. I have always maintained that governments do not create wealth, the private sector does and therefore incentivizing the sector is the surest way to achieve sustainable growth.
The role of Government is clear cut, creating conducive environments and policies to stimulate growth.”
One of the primary advantages of PPPs, Mr. Dadey noted, is the infusion of private sector expertise, innovation, and efficiency into public projects and initiatives. By leveraging private sector resources and know-how, governments can bridge infrastructure gaps, enhance service delivery, and improve the overall business environment.
These collaborations lead to accelerated economic growth and job creation.
Mr. Dadey cited the successful collaboration between the KGL Group and the government’s National Lottery Authority (NLA) in the lottery sector as an exemplary case of a PPP driving transformative change.
This partnership revitalized the NLA, resulting in increased revenue generation and the creation of new opportunities for Ghana’s citizens. He urged other stakeholders to emulate this model and proactively seek out similar partnerships across various sectors.
He again highlighted the successful partnership between KGL Group through its subsidiary Fuel Automation Ghana Limited, and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development in the digitalization of the pre-mix fuel sector. He expanded,
“The design, construction, financing and automation of 300 landing beach Premix fuel outlets across the country reflect a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and reducing inefficiencies that often accompany the manual systems.
This move towards automation introduces transparency, accountability, and a streamlined process in the distribution of subsidized fuel, thereby addressing historical challenges associated with corruption and nepotism in the sector.”
Furthermore, Mr. Dadey highlighted the importance of a new approach in Investment Promotion Strategy into Africa. He stated, “African conglomerates should be encouraged to acquire stakes in raw material processing companies situated in developed markets, thereby enabling them to benefit from value addition. The significant profits generated by these companies can then be repatriated to their home countries, thereby bolstering local currencies.
This approach also allows African nations to overcome barriers related to quality control and excise duties imposed on manufactured products by developed markets.”
In conclusion, Alex Dadey’s speech at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2024 underscored the critical role of Public-Private Partnerships in Africa’s economic transformation.
It is through collaboration, innovation, and leveraging the strengths of both sectors that meaningful and sustainable development can be achieved. Governments, private entities, and international partners must work hand in hand to forge effective partnerships that drive Africa’s socio-economic advancement and improve the lives of its people.
“Our attention has been drawn to some false publications on Ghananweb ,adomfmonline , among other online portals alleging that,the Overlord of Asante Kingdom,Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has asked the Kumasi Traditional Council to discontinue with the proceedings of NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Bosiako’s case pending before the Council.
We members of Concerned Youth Of Asante are of strong conviction that Our King, has never issued such directives to the Council.
We are therefore sending strong warning to those hired online portals to stop circulating such false information before is too late.
We are also appealing to Asante Youth who felt insulted and disrespected about the comment meted out to our King by Chairman Wontumi to stay focused and exercise restrains because the King has never spoken on the matter.
Dr Nana Agyenim B Boateng (Gyataba)
According to the report, the Asantehene explicitly said he had not instructed anyone to summon Chairman Wontumi for allegedly disrespecting him and the Golden Stool.
Otumfuo is said to have expressed dissatisfaction with the Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, for the unnecessary tension caused by their actions in the lead-up to the 150th anniversary celebration of the Sagrenti War and the 25th anniversary of his coronation.
This information, as per the report, indicates that, the Asantehene does not want Manhyia to be involved in minor partisan political matters.
But,CYA is saying that all reports are fake and must be disregarded.
Tntnewspapergh.com with additional information sourced from Ghanaweb
Nana Dwamena Akenten II, the newly installed Paramount Chief for the Offinso Traditional Area in the Ashanti Region, has hit the ground running by setting up a committee to probe illegal sand winning activities which are destroying their lands.
The chief expressed concerns about illegal and unregulated sand winning in the area which is destroying their lands.
He has also rallied the support of his elders, residents and all stakeholders to ensure promotion of agriculture in the area.
To ensure a ready market for their farm produce, Nana Dwamena Akenten has proposed that one of the leading markets in the area, Abofour Market, which comes off on Thursdays, be extended to two days to promote trading.
The respected chief made the call during his first meeting and subsequent tours to some areas.
The one-time best farmer in the Offinso district, who was declared the Municipal Best Farmer at the 36th National Farmer’s Day celebration in Offinso in the Ashanti Region in 2020 by the Offinso District Assembly, promised to prioritise agriculture, youth employment, education and trading.
Nana Dwamana Akenten II, Offinsohene
He emphasised the need for the people to stay united since unity is strength and key to development in every developed society.
The Offinsohene,seized the opportunity to thank nananom, especially Nana Owusu Kwateng II,Dumanafohene for their support when the journey became tough.
He also thanked residents and
all stakeholders for their support throughout the processes leading to his selection and installation.
It would be recalled that the announcement of a new paramount chief for the people of Offinso occurred at the final Asanteman Council meeting in 2023, which was presided over by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The Offinso Traditional Area settled on 68-year-old Nana Amoako Poku to take over traditional leadership, resolving a long-standing dispute that saw Otumfuo reject the preferred candidate of the ‘queen mother’ three times.
The stool name of Nana Amoako Poku has been revealed as Nana Dwamena Akenten II after he swore the oath of allegiance to the chiefs and people of Offinso on Friday, 5th January 2024. He subsequently swore to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and Asanteman on 11th January 2024.
The ‘queen mother’, who had failed to nominate a qualified royal for the vacant stool, was absent, hence it was the Kwakwaboa Abusuapanyin, Opanyin Yaw Nkrumah Adusah, who introduced the new Offinsohene to his people.
Nana Dwamena Akenten II succeeds Nana Wiafe Akenten who held the role from 1946 to 2021.
On three occasions, the Asantehene offered the ‘queen mother’ the opportunity to nominate a candidate and each time she put forward Dr. Kofi Kodua Sarpong, a former Chief Executive of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), her nomination was challenged because Dr. Sarpong is not from the royal family.
In line with Asante tradition, the responsibility fell on the Abusuapanyin to nominate a candidate, leading to the introduction of Nana Amoako Poku.
Here are five key facts about the Offinsohene-elect:
Royal heritage:Nana Amoako Poku, according to Ghanaweb, hails from the Offinso Ahyirem Royal Family, cementing his connection to the historical lineage of the Offinso Traditional Area.
Agricultural excellence:He boasts of being a one-time best farmer in the Offinso district.
Nana was declared Municipal Best Farmer at the 36th National Farmer’s Day celebration in Offinso in the Ashanti Region in 2020 by the Offinso District Assembly.
He has engaged in active farming for about 20 years and owns 56 acres of cashew plantation, 47 acres of cocoa, 30 acres of teak, 11 acres of citrus, five acres of oil palm, 13 acres of cocoyam, six acres of plantain, including livestock.
He also has several awards to his credit, notable ones being the District Best Swine Farmer and Municipal Most Promising Farmer in 2005 and 2018 respectively.
Curator of Asante heritage: Nana Amoako Poku is renowned for his role as a curator of Asante heritage according to a Graphic online report.
Timber merchant: Beyond his royal and cultural roles, Nana Amoako Poku is engaged in timber trading as cited in a report by ‘Opemsuo Radio’.
Otumfuo Kekabuosohene: Nana Poku, until his elevation, was also a servant at Manhyia Palace, where he was Otumfuo’s Kekabuosohene as cited in a report by ofma.gov.gh.
