Journalist`s Apology Rejected by Ashanti King: Cultural Protocol Ignored in High-Profile Dispute

The unfolding drama between journalist Afia Pokua and Ghana's revered Ashanti king, Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, has gripped the nation, stirring intense reactions and debate. The conflict centers on comments made by Pokua regarding the Ashanti king's influence over national matters, leading to an unprecedented standoff. Afia Pokua, a well-known journalist, sparked the controversy during an interview on Onua TV with Mona Gucci earlier this month. She voiced her frustration with the influence and power held by the Ashanti king and the deferential treatment he receives from political figures, including the president. She remarked, "Even the president... bowed to show respect to the chief," further adding, "Asante is not the whole of Ghana. If you are only thinking about Asante, they can amend the laws so that you can separate yourself from the rest of the country." These comments, questioning the Asantehene's (Ashanti king's) central role and calling out what Pokua perceived as an overbearing dominance of the Asante people, were seen as a blatant affront to the monarch’s authority. The Ashanti Kingdom holds a special position in Ghanaian society, and the king is regarded not only as a traditional ruler but also as a symbol of deep cultural and spiritual significance. Known as "Nyame Kessie," meaning greater god, the king is often treated with the utmost reverence.

Royal historian Osei Bonsu Sarfo Kantanka, who serves the Ashanti king, explained that such public criticisms of the king break strict cultural protocols. According to Kantanka, any grievances against the Asantehene must follow a well-established process, primarily through the queen mother, who is the only one permitted to rebuke the king. Bypassing this formal procedure, as Pokua did, leads to severe consequences. He also criticized Pokua’s suggestion that the king, now in his 70s, might be hard of hearing, saying, "If you use this word on even an ordinary person, he will not take it as criticism." Following the backlash, Pokua, along with Gucci, traveled to Manhye Palace in Kumasi, the Ashanti king’s residence, to offer a formal apology. Dressed in black as a symbol of contrition, she kneeled before the palace elders, begging for forgiveness. However, this act of penance was publicly rejected. The Ashanti king’s representatives harshly dismissed her efforts, with reports quoting the king as saying, "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." This was despite Pokua’s previous apologies, both on social media and live television. The rejection of her in-person apology indicated that she had not adhered to the proper cultural etiquette required for such a sensitive matter. As the royal historian explained, the journalist should have first approached the Agona traditional authority, bringing her parents and representatives from the TV station involved. Only after this could a proper apology be conveyed to the Asantehene. By skipping these critical steps, Pokua’s attempts were seen as inadequate and disrespectful, leaving her in an increasingly precarious situation.

Though the possibility of redemption through the traditional protocol remains open, the incident highlights the complexities of Ghana’s traditional power structures and the careful navigation required when dealing with highly respected figures like the Ashanti king. It also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between free expression and respect for cultural norms in a country where tradition still wields significant influence. As the situation develops, Ghanaians remain divided—some side with the Ashanti monarchy, emphasizing the importance of cultural respect, while others defend Pokua’s right to voice criticism. For now, however, it appears that her apology will not be enough to satisfy the Ashanti king or heal the rift her comments have caused. ⚡ ImageCredit: GettyImages