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The Kumasi Youth Association (KuYA) has asked a former Chief of Staff under the John Mahama administration, Julius Debrah, to render an unqualified apology to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, or be ready for consequences.
At a press conference held in Kumasi, the group accused Mr Debrah of attempts to use ‘political gains’ to run down the Asante Kingdom.
Their anger comes on the back of a press statement released by the office of Mr. John Mahama denying claims by the Asantehene of his active involvement to get the former President to concede defeat in the 2016 polls.
“Julius Debrah’s response to the King is against what customs and courtesy demands [and] clearly shows his arrogance and lack of respect”, General Secretary of the group Kwabena Frimpong stated.
“The Asante Kingdom has been in existence in glory for ages and we shall stand by our identity and heritage for the interest of Asanteman into eternity. We hereby challenge the former President of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama as a statesman to come out clear on the release issued by Julius Debrah,” he said.
The pressure group also described as distasteful comments by one Dr Edward Omane Boamah, a known member of the opposition National Democratic Congress on the issue— who appeared to have downplayed the King’s assertions at the UN forum.
“We want to caution all political parties to refrain from dragging the name of the King into disrepute and accord the Asantehene with the respect and honour he deserves… We strongly demand an unqualified apology from Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Julius Debrah within seven days without delay. We would ban them from entry into the Manhyia Palace and deal with them ruthlessly,” the group’s secretary strongly said.
Cool Off
Meanwhile, former president JJ Rawlings has commended the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his “highly educative address” at the UN General Assembly last week.
“The Asantehene has made us proud with a highly educative address to the UN on the subject of PEACE. Comments by former President Mahama on an aspect of the address shouldn’t elicit or provoke edict sounding threats. It’s unwarranted and unnecessary. There’s enough tension. Let’s cool it and cool off,” Rawlings tweeted.
By J. Ofori, Daily Mail GH
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