A dispute between a well-known journalist and a king has sparked significant attention in Ghana.
The controversy began when Afia Pokua criticized the Ashanti king’s approach to managing tensions with other ethnic groups and expressed her discontent with the deference politicians show him, highlighting her concerns about the perceived dominance of the Asante community.
“Even the president bows to show respect to the chief,” Ms. Pokua stated in an interview with Mona Gucci on local channel Onua TV earlier this month.
“Asante is not the entirety of Ghana.
If your focus is solely on Asante, they can amend the laws to separate themselves from the rest of the country.”
These remarks did not sit well with the traditional ruler, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, who holds a powerful position within society.
Openly insulting or criticizing him is viewed as highly disrespectful, given that his title, the “Asantehene,” is revered, and he is often referred to as “Nyame Kessie,” meaning “greater god.”
Royal historian Osei Bonsu Sarfo Kantanka, who serves the Asantehene, explained that there are established protocols for criticizing the leader.
“To voice any criticism, one must go through the queen mother, who is the only person authorized to rebuke him. Failing to do so could lead to serious repercussions,” he noted.
Mr. Osei also took issue with Ms. Pokua’s claim that the Asantehene, now in his 70s, was hard of hearing.
He suggested that such remarks could be seen as disrespectful even towards an ordinary individual.
In an effort to make amends, Ms. Pokua visited the Manhye Palace in Kumasi on Monday, accompanied by elders and dressed in black.
She knelt and asked for forgiveness, a scene that was captured on camera.
However, her apologies were rejected by representatives of the Ashanti ruler, who asked her to leave the palace, stating, “Take your cursed self and your troubles with you.
Whatever comes your way in the future, deal with it on your own. Do not ever return here.”
Despite having already apologized publicly on social media and live television, her attempts at reconciliation fell flat.
According to the royal historian, her failure to adhere to proper etiquette played a crucial role in the rejection of her apology.
He advised that for her apology to be accepted, she should have approached the Agona traditional authority, accompanied by her parents and the owners of the TV station that aired her critical comments.
If she had followed these steps, the Agona chief could have conveyed her message to the Asantehene and arranged for a formal apology at the palace.
However, it remains uncertain whether she can still salvage the situation by adhering to these protocols.
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