The Chief Priest of Antoa Nyamaa shrine in the Ashanti region says the stalemate in reversing a curse by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) against Kokosohene arose in the quest to avert accusations of the deity failing to do due diligence in the matter.

Chairman Wontumi was at Antoa with the Kokosohene, Nana Kwaku Duah, for the reversal of a curse invoked by Chairman Wontumi in reaction to accusations that he had disrespected the Asantehene.

When the two parties appeared before the Antoa Nyamaa shrine, the Chief Priest did not reverse the curse, but referred the case back to the Kumasi Traditional Council for a resolution.

There have been conflicting reports of what actually transpired at the Antoa shrine when the two parties attempted to reverse the curse.

In an exclusive interview with Nhyira 104.5 FM, the Antoa Komfo Panyin (chief priest of Antoa), Nana Asiamah, explained that Chairman Wontumi insisted he never used the term ‘kingdom’ with the intent of spiting any traditional leader.

“Wontumi invoked the curse on the basis that though he used the word kingdom, he did not boast of his might relative to any chief. Therefore if anyone says he, Wontumi said that, then the Antoa Nyamaa deity should strike him. But if he never said so, the person who accused him as such and reported him at the [Manhyia] palace should be struck by the deity, together with his wife and children,” the chief priest said.

He says after Wontumi’s explanation, the Kokosohene was prevailed upon to tell the truth, but he insisted he did not report any matter to the palace.

Nana Asiamah says after hearing both parties and failing to arrive at a conclusion, the Asantehene’s linguist, Baffour Kantankrakye, requested a retreat for the parties to return at a later date.

He says the Antoa priests only had to caution the two parties to tread cautiously in their stance on the matter.

“We at Antoa did not ask that the curse should not be reversed and it is not Wontumi who said he will not overturn the curse, neither was it Kokosohene; but it was the request of Kantankrakye because there was no compromise from both parties,” said Nana Asiamah.

He however says the curse will remain hanging until a reversal.

“We are very ready to overturn the curse but can’t tell what will happen in the future if they fail to come back. What I know is that you can’t invoke the Antoa deity in a curse and go scot free… our task is to direct you on what customs demand,” said Antoa Komfo Panyin.