The Vice Chairman of the Market Queenmothers in Kumasi’s central markets, including Kejetia, Race Course, Suame, and Bantama, has alleged that Mr Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), threatened him.

This comes after the association expressed their displeasure over Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia’s failure to meet with them during his tour of the Ashanti Region.

Nana Wiafe, the Vice Chairman, claimed that Chairman Wontumi, also known as Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, called to threaten him following his remarks on Kumasi-based Akoma FM about the Vice President's perceived disdain for the Market Queenmothers. 

Mr. Wiafe stated that Chairman Wontumi ranted and threatened to teach him a lesson once the Vice President left the region. 

Nana Wiafe hinted at reporting the threat to the police.

Speaking on the Citizens Show hosted by Nana Bobie Ansah on Accra 100.5 FM on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Nana Wiafe elaborated on the events leading to the dispute. 

He explained that the Queen-Mothers and traders were informed about the Vice President’s visit by the Regional Women’s Organiser of the party, Abena Ampomah. 

Consequently, they gathered from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, leaving their businesses amid severe economic hardships, only to be unofficially informed that the Vice President would not attend.

“This incident has been perceived as a blatant disregard and disrespect towards the traditional institutions that form the core of the region's cultural heritage,” Nana Wiafe stated. 

The Queenmothers, who hold esteemed positions within their communities, felt particularly insulted by this oversight.

Expressing the collective sentiment of the Queen-Mothers, Nana Wiafe declared, “This is a grave affront to our traditional leadership and a slap in the face to the good people of the Ashanti Region. We demand an explanation and an apology for this unacceptable behaviour,” he concluded