Royal historian, Osei Bonsu Sarfo Kantanka, who works for the Asantehene, has told the BBC that there are specific steps one must follow in order to criticize the overlord of the Ashanti Kingdom.
“You go through the queen mother – she is the only person who can rebuke him. If you don’t go through the queen mother and instead do it yourself, then you’re in trouble,” he said in a report by Asaaseradio.com.
The historian's comments come after journalist Afia Pokua criticized the Asantehene's handling of tensions with other ethnic groups and expressed frustration about the deference politicians show him.
Pokua remarked on the apparent supremacy of the Asante community and was particularly critical of the reverence shown by national leaders.
“Even the president bowed to show respect to the chief,” Pokua said in an interview with Mona Gucci earlier this month on local channel Onua TV.
She added, “Asante is not the whole of Ghana. If you are only thinking about Asante, they can amend the laws so that you can separate yourself from the rest of the country.”
Afia Pokua's comments were met with widespread criticism, with many viewing them as disrespectful to the Asantehene, a highly revered figure in Ghana.
In response to the public outcry, the journalist traveled to the Asantehene's residence, Manhyia Palace, in Kumasi on Monday to offer an unconditional apology. Although she had previously apologized on social media and live television, she nonetheless made the journey to the palace.
Dressed in black and accompanied by elders, Pokua and Mona Gucci knelt on the ground to beg for forgiveness.
However, her apology was rejected by the Asantehene's delegates, and she was asked to leave the palace.
“Take your cursed self and your troubles with you. Whatever comes your way in the future, deal with it on your own. Do not ever return here,” the traditional authorities told her.
The royal historian further criticized Pokua for suggesting that Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, a man in his seventies, was hard of hearing.
“If you use such words even with an ordinary person, it would not be taken as constructive criticism.”
According to Osei Bonsu Sarfo Kantanka, Pokua's failure to follow proper protocol was the issue.
He explained that in order for her apology to be accepted, she should have appealed to the Agona traditional authority, bringing along her parents and the owners of the TV station that broadcast the critical remarks.
“If the apology were accepted, the Agona chief would then convey the message to the Asantehene, and a date would be set for her to formally apologize at Manhyia Palace,” the historian elaborated.
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