Ghanaian ethnic group living abroad have registered their displeasure over recent social media attacks on their revered traditional ruler, Otumfuo Osei Tutu ll (King of Asante ).
The group has observed with concern series of recorded tapes (audio, and video) circulating on the internet spewing insults and offensive languages.
According to the group, such offensive materials are often directed at the Asante ethnic group in general; and the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II (the Asante King) and Manhyia Palace (his traditional seat) in particular.
The Asante community in Europe and North America (US and Canada) have hence condemned such unprovoked insults in a press statement this morning.
‘’Our attention has been drawn to videos and audios circulating on some social media portals in recent times attacking and insulting Manhyia and the good people of Asante globally for no apparent reason. In as much as we respect freedom of speech, we cannot remain silent for people to insult us without provocation. The insults have attained an unimaginable dimension that we have to react’’, the group pointed out.
The joint press release signed by Isaac Osei Tutu and Isaac Adu on behalf of the Asanteman Council of North America (US & Canada) and Asanteman Europe Association respectively, expressed solidarity with their king and Ashantis worldwide.
They contend that any insult on Manhyia and Otumfuo is an insult to the entire Ashanti Kingdom.
They assured Ashantis home and the Otumfuo of their readiness to protect and defend the kingdom against any adversary.
The release described the unprovoked insults on their king as tribal bigotry and affront to national unity and social cohesion.
‘’These actions of theirs have the tendency to create trouble in our dear country. The insensibility and preposterously hyped tribal overtures and sentiments that have found expression on social media are what we are condemning. The social media should be used to promote unity and peace and not to promote conflicts. We want to continue enjoying the peace and stability for which Ghana is globally admired’’, the group observed.
Leadership of the two Asanteman Councils consequently cautioned those involve in such indecent act to desist from the practice.
They said they will not hesitate taking legal actions against any wayward offender.
‘’Should they continue to insult Manhyia especially Otumfuo, we would have no other option than to take legal action against the perpetrators of these evil deeds no matter where they live; they reiterated.
They further advice families back home to call family members and relatives engaged in such uncultured tendency to order since such behaviour is an embarrassment to a Ghanaian family and national identities.
