The Techiman Traditional Council has disclosed that the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was attacked during his visit to the Bono East Region. The violence was caused by the Asantehene's security firing firearms and beating citizens in Techiman, according to a report from Herald Ghana. The Council explained that these acts, along with unconfirmed social media posts, probably incited young people in the area to attack the caravan in order to protect their neighborhood.
The Council said that the situation was made worse by false information that was spread online, which increased anxiety among young people. Quick action was taken to quell the disturbances by the Ghana Police Service, which is looking into the incident. Injured patients received care at Holy Family Teaching Hospital. The Asantehene was in the area to grieve for Nana Adutwumwaa Dudaa Kani II, Nkoranzahemaa.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's bodyguard, Nana Kwame Amo, also as Sledge Bonnah, wrote on social media that Asante will take revenge for the assault. In reference to the assault on Asantehene's convoy, he wrote in a post dated December 2, 2024, "What you just witnessed is small," threatening a more extensive retaliation.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, former President John Mahama, responded to the incident by denying any role in the attack. He referred to the social media footage that was making the rounds as "fake news" and an effort to damage his reputation. Mahama accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of using false news to divert attention from their losing campaign and denounced what he called a purposeful slander campaign.
Mahama explained that he had not organized any young people in Techiman to attack the convoy of the Asantehene. He remembered praying for a safe trip after Otumfuo told him about his trip to Nkoranza. The former president made it clear that individuals attempting to damage his name were responsible for the film, which incorrectly connected him to the attack. He blamed the misleading narrative on the NPP's dissatisfaction with their declining chances of winning elections.
In a statement released on December 3, 2024, the Techiman Traditional Council reassured the public that there was no hostility between the Asantes and the inhabitants of Techiman. Their leaders, the Techimanhene and the Asantehene, have remained close over the years, and the two communities have close cultural links. Additionally, the Council advised social media users to refrain from disseminating false information that would exacerbate tensions.
According to the police inquiry, stones were thrown at the caravan while it was making its way back to Kumasi from the funeral in Nkoranza. To obtain additional information and ease possible tensions, the Ghana Police Service is in communication with the local government in Techiman. While the inquiry continues, the public has been asked to maintain their composure.