The former Minister of Women and Children’s Affair, Dr Otiko Afisah Djaba has denied media reports that she harshly slammed Bernard Antwi Boasiako “Chairman Wuntumi”, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for his sexist attacks on the running mate of the opposition NDC.
In a report that was reproduced by Whatsup News, Ms Djaba reportedly jabbed the loudmouthed Wuntumi by saying: That is the character of the NPP. You can ask Ursula. They hate to see women at the height of decision making. What didn’t they do to Hajia Alima? And you have a Bushman like Wuntumi as the Chairman of Ashanti Region spewing rubbish about a whole professor.”
However, on July 12, 2020, Ms Djaba issued a statement denying ever making such a statement being attributed to her.
“My attention has been drawn to your publication captioned “Otiko fires at Wontumi as ‘bushman’ for his anti-women comment”. Let me place on record that I have not published, spoken or issued any such statement about Mr Wontumi or the NPP as attributed to me. I demand immediate retraction of the publication; and an unqualified apology to me for the embarrassment caused me by this false publication,” she said, adding that she is seeking legal advice on the publications.
Neither has Whatsup News been able to authenticate both the statement attributed to her nor that which is contained in the rejoinder of July 12, 2020, as it was not on any letterhead.
Wuntumi has been a the butt end of serious criticisms for derogatorily describing the Vice-Presidential candidate of the opposition National Democratic Party (NDC) as ugly and a witch after she was selected.
The governing party has not made any official comment about the insults from Wuntumi, as former women advocates such as Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, currently the Communications Minister insists, the NPP is not liable for the comment of one of its important executives.