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Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has broken his silence on what he describes as a painful and disappointing chapter in his relationship with Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known across Ghana as Chairman Wontumi. In a video posted by GhanaWeb, the Asantehene gave a rare and candid account of how Wontumi once clashed with him “over gold,” particularly during the peak of the Akonta Mining saga. According to Otumfuo, it was during this era—when Wontumi was reportedly enjoying massive financial gains—that he stopped showing respect, stopped answering calls, and drifted away from the very authority that had helped shape his rise.
The Asantehene revealed that Wontumi’s behavior changed drastically once money and influence began to flow. “He was fighting with me over gold,” Otumfuo emphasized, making it clear that the conflict was not simply political, but deeply tied to resource control and personal ambition. Many Ghanaians have long speculated about the tension between the two, but Otumfuo stated that “just that all this issue didn’t come out,” implying that the public has only seen the surface of the real story.
In his remarks, Otumfuo addressed the growing calls for him to intervene in Wontumi’s ongoing legal troubles, which are tied to Akonta Mining’s operations. The company has been accused of operating illegally in protected forest reserves, fueling the national crisis over galamsey and environmental destruction. The situation led to investigations and legal processes that have placed Wontumi at the center of a storm involving politics, business interests, and national security concerns.
What stunned many listeners was Otumfuo’s firm declaration that, although he has the power to influence outcomes, he has chosen not to interfere. “I have the power to speak to President Mahama to withdraw the case, but I will never do it,” he stated plainly, referring to President John Dramani Mahama in his capacity as Ghana’s current leader. The Asantehene’s refusal was not framed as hostility, but as a principled stance on accountability, respect, and the duties of leadership—both traditional and political.
Otumfuo’s words have triggered waves of public discussion. Many Ghanaians applaud him for drawing a firm line between traditional authority and political influence, noting that his refusal to shield Wontumi sends a powerful message: power must be balanced with humility, and influence cannot erase responsibility. Others argue that his revelations expose a deeper issue in Ghana’s political culture—where individuals rise to fame and wealth and quickly forget the respect they owe to the institutions that nurtured them.
For Chairman Wontumi, once hailed as a charismatic mobilizer and influential force within the NPP, the Asantehene’s public statements represent a major blow. Beyond his legal challenges, he now faces moral and cultural scrutiny from the traditional institution that commands immense respect across Asanteman and beyond. His reputation, once associated with political strength, energy, and grassroots loyalty, is now being examined through the lens of integrity, gratitude, and accountability.
The Akonta Mining controversy has been one of Ghana’s most hotly debated topics in recent years, symbolizing the tension between economic ambition and environmental responsibility. With Otumfuo’s latest comments, the debate has expanded into new territory—raising questions about loyalty, the abuse of privilege, and the fragile relationship between political actors and traditional rulers.
As the story continues to spark reactions across the nation, one thing is clear: the Asantehene’s decision not to intervene in Wontumi’s legal woes stands as a defining moment. It is a reminder that traditional authority still holds moral weight in Ghana, and that even the most powerful political figures can find themselves accountable to the cultural pillars that have guided generations.