General News of Sunday, 22 September 2024

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Afia Pokua and Mona Gucci issue second apology to Otumfuo on live TV  

(L) Mona Gucci and Afia Pokua (R) apologising to everyone who was affected by their conduct play video(L) Mona Gucci and Afia Pokua (R) apologising to everyone who was affected by their conduct

After apologising on their respective social media platforms for disrespecting the Asantehene, Afia Pokua and Mona Gucci have offered another apology on live TV. 

Using the same platform where they displayed such conduct, the two rendered an apology to the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II and the entire Asanteman. 

Mona, the host of the ‘Bribigye gye wo’ show on OnuaTV, expressed her regret for enabling Afia Pokua and allowing her to voice derogatory comments about the Asantehene. 

“When my guest came on the show, she made statements that hurt many. We are using this same platform to apologise. To our viewers around the world, including the Ashantis, we are truly sorry. We acknowledge your pain and concerns regarding this issue. I, Monalisa Abigail Sefakor Semeha, plead for your forgiveness. I apologise for everything that has transpired. 

“The Asantehene is our father, and Asanteman is our family. Please forgive us,” Mona Gucci said. 

Afia Pokua, appearing visibly remorseful, delivered an extended apology to the Asantehene and the entire Ashanti kingdom, both at home and abroad.  

Clad in funeral attire and nearly drawn to tears, she bowed as she expressed her heartfelt regret. 

“I offer a sincere apology to the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. I did not speak well at all, and I accept my wrongs. I am his grandchild, child, and niece. I bow and ask for his forgiveness. 

“I also apologise to the entire Asanteman, both home and abroad. Please forgive me. My actions were not intentional; I ask that, despite your anger, you find it in your heart to forgive me. I erred; I goofed,”  Afia Pokua said. 

She further apologised to those affected by the situation, including her hometown Chief, the Kwahumanhene, and the people of Kwahu, acknowledging that her words brought embarrassment upon them. 

“I also apologise to the Kwahumanhene. I have brought shame upon you. My words have embarrassed the Chief and the people of Kwahu. Please forgive me; I promise not to let this happen again, "she added. 

Pokua also extended her apologies to her parents, family, friends, and workplace for the shame she has brought upon them.



Background   

The controversy began when Afia Pokua, a journalist at Agoo TV, criticised the Asantehene for his perceived silence amid ongoing conflicts involving his subjects and other tribes, including the Bonos.   

On Onua FM’s ‘Bribi Gye Gye wo,’ hosted by Mona Gucci, Pokua expressed frustration with what she sees as Ashantis proving superiority over other tribes and the Asantehene’s refusal to act on it.   

These statements have sparked massive outrage among the Ashantis, with many individuals, including sub-chiefs and queen mothers, openly voicing their criticism.  

Also, the irate Asante youth staged a protest and held a press conference to address the situation. 

EB/OGB