GRi obtained a personal account from a resident of Ashanti Newtown in Kumasi assessing the mood from both inside and outside Manhyia Palace and files this report.
I have seen Kwabena Sarpong Akosah and he is well. He is still in Kumasi although he is keeping a very low profile. Apparently he has been cautioned by some well-meaning people to go under-cover.
The situation in Kumasi seems to be calming down now. It appears a blessing that Kojo Yankah, a trained journalist is the Regional Minister. He is managing very hard to put things right. I have not yet checked if the Ghana Journalists Association delegation is still coming to Kumasi as planned. I will do that later and let you know.
The whole issue however seem to be dividing the GJA. Some have complained that the GJA need not have apologised or that they were too hasty in rendering an apology.
This school of thought argues that by condemning the Journalists who reported, GJA was setting in process a system of self-censorship which could affect the output of journalists in future. They think it is time the Palace and the Asante King-makers devised a system of informing the public about such issues within the shortest possible time since with the plethora of news houses it becomes difficult for a gag to be put on all journalists.
The subject will come out for discussion on tomorrow's Front Page on JOY FM. I believe Kwabena has agreed to talk via phone link. I only wish he does not re-awaken the sleeping dogs.
Personally, while l disagree with Akorsah for doing what he did, l can understand why he acted that way. For any journalist, the scoop must have been too tempting. Especially, for a BBC correspondent the size of whose wallet is determined by the number of stories he files, l can imagine how tempting it was to let the story go by. Also because, he must have seen himself as the first person the break it.
Being an Asante however, l can also understand the outrage of the Palace and the King-makers. I guess at such times one will have to weigh the issues very carefully.
One's bank account balance against the desecration of time-honoured traditional customs.
I have a feeling however that Akorsah and indeed many of us, did not expect such show of fury and indignation as shown by the Asantes. For me, and for many, it has been an eye opener as to how dear the Asantes hold their tradition. I do really feel proud that Asantes, almost as one, have stood up to condemn the act, and they seem to have the support of other ethnic groups as well.
Most us only read about the unifying factor of the Golden Stool to Asantes in the history books. Now that l have witnessed it, l think it is awesome. I just hope that now that the point has been made the Palace and the King- makers would let the matter die so things can get back to normal.
I don't think any Journalist will dare repeat the act (mistake?) again.
