By King Amoah.
A prominent religious figure, Very Reverend Anthony Kwarteng, founder and leader of the Christ Power Miracle Church in Dome-Kwabenya, has made a startling claim regarding Bernard Antwi Bosiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Reverend Kwarteng alleges that Wontumi’s recent challenges, including the purported freezing of his bank accounts, are a result of offending the gods of the Ashanti Kingdom and other deities in areas affected by illegal mining (“galamey”).
According to Reverend Kwarteng, Wontumi’s troubles stem from behavior that undermines the authority of the Golden Stool, the sacred symbol of the Ashanti Kingdom.
The Reverend claims Wontumi’s public displays of wealth, including showing off gold bars on television, coupled with what he describes as “blasphemous words,” have angered the spiritual forces of the Ashanti region.
He further suggests that Wontumi’s alleged loose utterances have led to disrespect towards Ashantis abroad.
“The gods are at work making Wontumi unpopular,” Reverend Kwarteng stated, implying that President John Dramani Mahama is not to blame for Wontumi’s current difficulties.
He added that Wontumi’s past actions, particularly during the Akufo-Addo regime, have offended many Ghanaians and damaged natural resources like forest reserves and water bodies.
Drawing a sharp contrast to the past, Reverend Kwarteng remarked that someone like Wontumi, whom he labeled as “illiterate,” would not have been considered for a political position during the Busia/Danquah era, as political appointments were based on intelligence and competence.
Reverend Kwarteng specifically referenced an incident where Wontumi allegedly claimed to have his own kingdom in Kumasi, a statement Wontumi later denied.
The Reverend condemned this language and claimed that God has revealed to him that Wontumi must appear before Asantehene Otumfuo’ Osei Tutu II with 300 sheep for a purification ritual to regain favor and freedom.
The Reverend also expressed gratitude to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for initially forgiving Wontumi’s transgressions, and urged the Asantehene to impress upon Wontumi the necessity of sacrificing the 300 sheep to appease the gods, as divinely instructed.
These claims made by Reverend Kwarteng are likely to stir controversy and debate, particularly within the Ashanti region and among followers of traditional religious practices.
As of this writing, Chairman Wontumi has not publicly responded to the allegations.
The veracity of Reverend Kwarteng’s claims and the effectiveness of the proposed ritual remain matters of faith and personal belief.
