The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party(NPP) has called on the Asanteman Council to ban former President John Dramani Mahama from entering the Ashanti region over the latter’s denial in relation to the purported intervention of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II in the aftermath of the 2016 elections.
“John Dramani Mahama ought to be banned from the Asanteland even before Otumfuo returns back into the country,” Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi said in an attempt to whip up sentiments.
Former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has denied claims by the Asantehene that he persuaded Mr. Mahama to accept defeat after he lost to now President Akufo-Addo in December 2016.
“I state without equivocation that the decision to concede and congratulate Nana Akufo-Addo even before the official results were declared was taken by President Mahama himself without any persuasion from any quarter. On the day President Mahama willingly conceded defeat, he met with then Vice President Kwesi Bekoe Amissah- Arthur, NDC Chairman Kofi Portuphy, General Secretary of the NDC Johnson Asiedu Nketia, together with some high ranking members of the party and informed them of his decision to call and congratulate Nana Akufo-Addo,” said Mr. Julius Debrah in a statement on Sunday.
Commenting on the denial by the former Chief of Staff on Anopa Kasapa on Kasapa 102.5 Fm, Chairman Wontumi argued the posture by Mr. Debrah and his Boss, John Dramani Mahama smacks of disrespect indicating this is not the first time the former leader has disregarded Asanteman.
According to him, there is no falsehood in what Otumfuo said against the backdrop that the EC Boss at the time, Charlotte Osei took days in calling the elections eventhough the figures tilted in favour of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
He reiterated “John Dramani Mahama cannot deny the claims by the revered Chief.”
For him, should the Asante Chiefs fail to take actions against Mr. Mahama, he would organize the youth to go on rampage.
