Ashantis Hit the Streets to Protest Disrespect Against Otumfuo, Report Twene Jonas to the gods

• Some natives of the Ashanti Region have expressed displeasure over what they describe as disrespectful attitudes meted out against Otumfuo
• They have taken to the streets to protest and invoke curses on some personalities they claim have constantly disrespected the Asantehene, including Kevin Taylor and Twene Jonas
• Netizens who saw the post were divided and expressed mixed reactions in the comments section

The Asante Youth, a group of people from the Ashanti Region hit the streets on Thursday, May 1, 2025, to protest what they describe as disrespectful behaviour meted out by some individuals against the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The Ashanti natives allege that the individuals in question have repeatedly disrespected the Asantehene without provocation, a development that has deeply angered the community.

In a video that has since gone viral, a member of the group was captured pouring libation and invoking curses on the likes of Kevin Taylor, Twene Jonas, and others who they claim have constantly disrespected Otumfuo.

They reported them to the gods and called for misfortune to befall them should they ever make derogatory remarks about Otumfuo again.

Attacks on Otumfuo

The social commentators have never shied from calling out the Asantehene on numerous occasions.

Twene Jonas in 2021 hurled invectives at Otumfuo over the galamsey menace after the King cautioned chiefs in the region to desist from engaging in the act.

He lambasted the Otumfuo for not doing enough to combat galamsey, which was fast degrading the lands in the region.

Due to his scathing attack on the Otumfuo, some traditional chiefs in Bechem invoked curses on him for disrespecting the King.

Ashantis revere Otumfuo a lot

Ashantis revere their King Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and can barely tolerate any disrespect against him. They worship him and have named him "Nyame keseɛ."

To them, he is not just a traditional ruler but a spiritual, cultural, and political symbol of the Ashanti people, the embodiment of their history, pride, and identity.

Ashantis have consistently lamented and conveyed dissatisfaction over some utterances they deem inappropriate made against Otumfuo.

On various social media outlets, Ashanti natives have either cautioned or retaliated by hurling insults at people who make derogatory remarks about their King.

Twene Jonas responds to naysayers

In a quick rebuttal, Twene Jonas in a new video has slammed the Asante Youth over their decision to invoke curses on him.

He said the group acted on the orders of the Asantehene simply because he chose to point out negative occurrences in the Asantehene's domain, such as galamsey.

Disrespect towards the Asantehene

Recall that Ashantis descended heavily on Ghanaian media personality Afia Pokua and Monna Gucci after the former made some comments regarded as indecent against Otumfuo.

Watch the video of the group pouring libation below:

Afia Pokua, a Ghanaian journalist affiliated with Agoo TV and Onua TV, became embroiled in controversy following remarks made on the show "Biribi Gyegye Wo," hosted by Mona Gucci.

During the broadcast, Pokua criticised Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, expressing frustration over his perceived silence amid ongoing conflicts involving his subjects and other tribes, including the Bonos.

She also questioned the political deference shown to the Asantehene, noting that even the president bowed to show respect to the chief.

These comments were deemed disrespectful by many Ghanaians, particularly within the Ashanti community.

In response to the backlash, Afia Pokua and Mona Gucci issued public apologies, both on social media and live television.

They subsequently visited the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi to offer a formal apology to the Asantehene. Dressed in black attire symbolising mourning, they knelt before the chiefs and elders, expressing remorse for their statements.

Despite these efforts, the Manhyia Palace rejected their apologies. The palace emphasised that proper customs and protocols were not followed in their approach.

Specifically, it was noted that any criticism of the Asantehene must go through the queen mother, as she is the only person who can rebuke him.

Reactions to Ashantis' protest against persons disrespecting Otumfuo

Netizens who saw the post depicting the protestors picketing expressed mixed reactions in the comments section. Many were displeased with the move.

@_ghanaprince wrote:

"The pope has the Pontifical Academy of Science. The King of England has the Royal Academy of Science."

@Accra_guy wrote:

"So, this thing ego work?"

@slypopo16 wrote:

"You can’t do the same for those destroying water bodies in the region?"

Twene appeals to Otumfuo on Adum evictions

Earlier, Yen.com.gh reported that US-based Ghanaian social commentator, Twene Jonas, appealed to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to protect the Adum PZ blue light traders from eviction.

The traders are living in fear of eviction from the market, which was damaged by a wildfire, and are pleading with authorities to allow them to stay.

Twene Jonas warned that eviction could lead to increased crime rates, as the youth may resort to armed robbery to make ends meet.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh