A row between a distinguished journalist and a king has captivated many in Ghana.
It started when Afia Pokua criticised the Ashanti king’s dealing with of tensions with different ethnic teams, the deference that politicians present him, and expressed her frustration concerning the obvious supremacy of the Asante neighborhood.
“Even the president… bowed to indicate respect to the chief,” Ms Pokua mentioned in an interview with Mona Gucci earlier this month on native channel Onua TV.
“Asante is just not the entire of Ghana. If you’re solely excited about Asante, they’ll amend the legal guidelines to be able to separate your self from the remainder of the nation.”
The feedback weren’t effectively acquired by the standard ruler.
The top of the Ashanti kingdom – Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II – occupies a robust place in society and it’s thought-about vastly disrespectful to overtly insult or criticise him.
His official title is the “Asantehene” – however he’s additionally known as “Nyame Kessie” which implies larger god, and as such he’s handled with most respect.
Royal historian Osei Bonsu Sarfo Kantanka, who works for the Asantehene, advised the BBC that anyone desirous to criticise the chief should comply with particular steps.
“You undergo the queen mom – she is the one one who can rebuke him. In case you don’t undergo the queen mom and then you definitely do it your self, then you definitely’re in hassle,” he mentioned.
Mr Osei additionally criticised Ms Pokua for saying that Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II, who’s in his 70s, was onerous of listening to.
“In case you use this phrase on even an odd particular person, he won’t take it as criticism.”
Looking for to apologise for her feedback, Ms Pokua on Monday went to Manhye Palace in Kumasi the place the Asantehene lives.
Wearing black and accompanied by elders, she kneeled on the bottom and begged for forgiveness, as did Ms Gucci. The entire spectacle was filmed for TV.
However Ms Pokua’s apologies had been rejected by representatives of the Ashanti conventional ruler and he or she was requested to depart the palace.
“Take your cursed self and your troubles with you. No matter comes your method sooner or later, take care of it by yourself. Don’t ever return right here,” the Asantehene advised her, in line with native media.
That was regardless of her already apologising on social media and reside tv.
In keeping with the royal historian, it boils down to a different failure to comply with etiquette.
To ensure that her apology to be accepted, mentioned Mr Osei, the journalist ought to have appealed to the Agona conventional authority and brought alongside together with her, her dad and mom and the homeowners of the TV station that broadcast the essential remarks.
If the apology had been accepted, the Agona chief would then convey the message to the Asantehene after which set a date to take her to Manhye Palace for one more apology.
However, if she follows these steps now, it will not be too late.