Okwahuman Afia Pokua, a journalist at Agoo TV, has faced significant backlash following her comments about Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, which many have deemed disrespectful.
In her recent remarks concerning the ongoing conflict between Otumfuo and the Dormaahene, Afia Pokua, while advocating for peace, criticised the Asantehene for his perceived silence.
She said that Otumfuo has looked on while his subjects engage in disputes and display disrespect towards other tribes, including the Bonos.
Afia Pokua expressed frustration on Onua FM’s ‘Bribi Gye Gye wo,’ hosted by Mona Gucci, stating that Ashantis seem to regard themselves as superior to other tribes.
She stated that it is time for the Ashantis to humble themselves and for the Asantehene to address these issues.
She remarked, “Ashantis are behaving as though other tribes in Ghana are not human. This has been evident since we were young. Is the Asantehene saying he hasn’t heard what’s happening? If he can’t hear, he surely has people who do.”
Pokua also criticised the Asantehene for being swift to punish individuals, including notable politicians, while failing to address the disrespect shown towards other tribes.
She pointed out that the Asantehene had previously taken action against figures like Odike and Chairman Wontumi for disrespect but has been silent on these broader issues.
She also raised concerns about the Otumfuo’s quick resolution of conflicts between political parties, like the NDC and NPP, but his inaction regarding his dispute with the Dormaahene.
Afia Pokua questioned, “If it were an NDC-NPP conflict, he would have intervened, but on this matter, he has been silent.”
She continued, “When a chief dies, their funeral is held within a week. The same would apply to Otumfuo’s funeral; it wouldn’t differ at all, it won’t last 40 days but just a week.”
However, her statements have since incited a strong reaction from Ashantis on social media, including prominent figures like Kwaku Manu and Afia Schwarzenegger, who have heavily criticised her.
They have attacked Afia Pokua and roped in the TV host Mona Gucci, for allowing such denigrating comments about their king to be aired.
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