Manhyia Palace Reject Afia Pokua’s Apology

The Manhyia Palace has rejected journalist Afia Pokua’s apology despite hours of pleading.

Although some elders supported her, the Otumfuo’s representative firmly refused her apology and banned her from ever returning to the palace.

The controversy began when Afia Pokua, a journalist with Agoo TV, criticized the Asantehene for his perceived silence on conflicts between the Ashantis and other tribes, including the Bonos.

Speaking on Mona Gucci’s Biribi Gyegye Wo show on Onua FM, she expressed frustration over what she saw as Ashanti superiority and the Asantehene’s lack of action.

Her comments triggered outrage among the Ashanti community, leading to public denouncements by sub-chiefs, queen mothers, and the youth. Protests followed, and the Ashanti youth organized a press conference to address the issue.

At Manhyia Palace, an elder made an emotional appeal on Pokua’s behalf, noting that she had knelt in apology since her arrival. However, the Otumfuo’s representative stood his ground, stating that some offences demand consequences, and Pokua’s actions fell into that category.

He sternly remarked, “Who are you to disrespect the Otumfuo? If you think you’ve grown wings, don’t aim them at Kumasi.”

He then ordered her to leave, stating, “Take your cursed self and your troubles with you. Deal with whatever comes your way in the future on your own. Do not return here.” With that, Afia Pokua, Mona Gucci, and their delegation exited the palace.

Before this incident, both Afia Pokua and Mona Gucci had publicly apologized on social media and live TV for their comments about the Asantehene. Summoned to the Manhyia Palace to formally apologize, they arrived dressed in black, accompanied by Prophet Kumchacha and representatives from Onua TV.

Pokua knelt before the Otumfuo’s representative for most of the proceedings. Despite offering a third apology, the palace rejected it after discussions moderated by the Otumfuo’s Okyeame (Linguist).

During the proceedings, the chief revealed that Afia Pokua’s ethnicity is Frafra and Krobo, contradicting her earlier claim of being from Kwahu.

This revelation appeared to surprise Pokua, as it was her first time hearing the information. Despite her numerous apologies, the Manhyia Palace stood firm, and the case was closed with Pokua’s final rejection.