Former Member of Parliament (MP) for Manhyia North, Collins Owusu Amankwa, has spoken out regarding the widely publicized slapping incident involving him and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Speaking on Peace FM’s Kokrokoo panel discussion on February 26, 2025, the former MP dismissed the reports that Chairman Wontumi had deliberately slapped him.
He clarified the circumstances surrounding the incident and labelled previous narratives as propaganda.
“You said a chairman slapped someone, and I am saying it today, that cannot happen in Krofuom. I am not sure the regional chairman can slap someone in Krofuom,” he said.
He further elaborated that the misunderstanding stemmed from an altercation involving his then-secretary, whom he had employed and supported.
He explained that Chairman Wontumi raised his hand during a dispute between him and the secretary and his hand, accidentally made contact with his (Owusu) body, leading to exaggerated reports that he had been slapped.
“The propaganda has been going on for a long because of the arrest factor. It happened because my secretary, whom I employed and helped, had an issue. Chairman raised his hand… and when I got there, Chairman was explaining the issues. In the process, his hand touched part of my body, and people said he had slapped the MP,” he recounted.
According to Amankwa, due to the nature of the situation, he had to collaborate with his then-secretary to make a joint statement to the police, which ultimately led to the case being dropped.
“You cannot even slap someone in Krofuom and go scot-free,” he asserted.
The controversy erupted following an altercation at a voter registration center named Nana Fodjour House in Krofuom, Kumasi.
Reports suggested that Chairman Wontumi had displayed acts of aggression by slapping Amankwa during a dispute over constituency representation at the registration center.
Eyewitnesses recounted that Chairman Wontumi had instructed the MP to form a team to oversee the registration exercise, as the constituency executives’ legitimacy was under dispute.
Amankwa was reported to have included his special aide, Aggudey, in the team, a decision that did not sit well with Chairman Wontumi.
Upon reaching the center, Chairman Wontumi reportedly asked Aggudey to leave, leading to a heated argument. In an attempt to strike Aggudey, the slap allegedly landed on Amankwa instead, momentarily dazing him.
The MP subsequently filed a formal complaint with the Manhyia police, prompting an investigation into the incident.
AM/KA
You can also watch Godfred Dame’s full speech on legal case withdrawals below: