Wontumi, Jinapor, Odike and 2 other politicians who have 'clashed' with chiefs

One of the major ‘sins’ that pits public officials and politicians against Ghanaians is clashing or disrespecting traditional leaders in the country.

In recent times, there have been reported cases of some political figures facing the wrath of some chiefs and their subjects, either over their remarks or actions that are deemed disrespectful towards these chiefs.

On the back of this, GhanaWeb dives into a few cases of political figures who have clashed with traditional rulers in different parts of the country.

1. Yagbonwura vs Abu Jinapor

News went rife on Sunday, July 21, 2024, over the ban of the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, from all palaces in the Gonja Kingdom, for allegedly interfering in Gonja chieftaincy matters.

According to the reports, the son and spokesperson for Yagbonwura, who affirmed the ban in a viral video, narrated that the king has ordered all the paramount chiefs under his kingdom not to receive Samuel Abu Jinapor at their palaces.

The Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom also vowed to deal with any chief who defies the order.

"The king will never grant audience to any government delegation, political party, or any person who pays him a visit once it includes Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor until he learns his tradition as a royal and learns how to respect the authority of the Yagbonwura. This statement is final and binding on all paramount chiefs within the Gonja kingdom," he said.

In response, Abu Jinapor in a statement denied the allegations as being “totally false.”

He said, “As I have stated time and again, I do not have any interest in the Damongo chieftaincy affairs whatsoever,” in a statement.

Emphasizing his respect for the overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Bi-Kunuto Jewu Soale, Abu Jinapor reaffirmed his interest in contributing to the development of the Damongo constituency.

2. Chairman Wontumi vs Kumasi Traditional Council

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako had a fallout with the Kumasi Traditional Council when he allegedly disrespected the Asantehene with derogatory remarks during the vetting of parliamentary aspirants in Manhyia South in January 2024.

The embattled politician, affectionately known as Chairman Wontumi, was summoned to appear before the Asanteman Council and address issues related to the matter.

Subsequently, the issue between the two parties - Chairman Wontumi and the Kumasi Traditional Council, was resolved after a delegation made of NPP members accompanied the chairman to issue an apology.

3. Odike vs Kumasi Traditional Council

Businessman cum politician, Akwasi Addai Odike, was banned from the Manhyia Palace in August 2022 following his criticism of chiefs.

The founder and leader of the United Progressive Party in an interview on Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM, accused the chiefs of failing to help fight the galamsey menace in the Ashanti Region.

His comments, according to the chiefs, undermined the authority of the Asantehene and the Manhyia Palace. The chiefs performed rituals to banish Odike from entering Manhyia by slaughtering a ram.

The radio station where he made those comments was not spared either.

They didn’t operate for 3 days after going off-air but later rendered an apology to the council.

4. Okyere Baafi vs Koforidua Zongo Chiefs

During a visit to the Zongo community in the Eastern Region to join in the Eid-ul-Fitr prayers in April 2024, the Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Micheal Okyere Baafi, asserted that Muslims need to take over and lead the country.

His comments, which were tagged as religious politicking, were condemned by the chiefs of Koforidua Zongo.

Advisor to Zongo Chiefs in the Eastern Region, Muhammad Muctar Umar, the Garkuwan Gababas, said the comments were unfortunate, further cautioning against the divisive nature of such religious campaigns.

Calls for Okyere Baafi’s retraction and apology were made. The National Peace Council were also called to intervene.

5. Kojo Bonsu vs Kumasi Traditional Council

The former Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Kojo Bonsu, clashed with the Kumasi Traditional Council in 2016.

His offence, according to the chiefs, was disrespecting the Asantehene and the Kumasi Traditional Council representative, Amoamanhene Nana Agyenim Boateng.

The chiefs stated that a letter written by Kojo Bonsu to the local government minister, questioning the authority of the chief on the Kejetia Market Redevelopment project had shown disrespect to them.

He failed to appear before the council after he was summoned.

The angered chiefs requested for his dismissal from office as the Chief Executive of KMA.

The chiefs proceeded to issue a one-week ultimatum to the then John Mahama-led administration for Kojo Bonsu’s removal.

Kojo Bonsu resigned from his position and issued an apology to the Asantehene and the traditional council.

MAG/AE