A key unofficial spokesperson for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Abdul Malik Kwaku-Baako has asked the party to strongly reprimand its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wuntumi) for his uncouth and sexist attacks on the running mate for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Kwaku Baako who is also the Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide described as “unfortunate” insults hurled at the NDC running mate, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang by Chairman Wuntumi shortly after she was selected to pair with the opposition party’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama.
“Chairman Wontumi’s comments draw us back to conclude that the party is attacking women. The party must dissociate itself from the statement and indeed, maybe issue a reprimand,” he said on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday.
During a discussion on his FM station, Wontumi Radio, Chairman Wuntumi aimed the sexist and bigoted remarks at the NDC running mate, describing her as “ugly” and a “witch”.
According to the semi-literate Wuntumi, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s physical appearance disqualifies her as a deputy to the NDC candidate.
Kwaku Baako suggest that Wuntumi should be issued an official query and restraining order by the governing party. “Maybe some query, publicly, if they cannot sanction him properly. Then we can move on,” he said.
However, the Minister of Communications Minister and Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West Constituency Ursula Owusu rejected the suggestion for sanctioning Wuntumi, saying the ruling party is not liable for what Wuntumi said.
Ms Owusu’s opposition comes as a shock as she has been considered a prominent gender advocate.
According to her curious logic, Chairman Wontumi spoke in his capacity as an individual and was not speaking on behalf of the party, therefore, calling on the party to apply sanctions is inappropriate.