The Independent

Asante chiefs hit back at J.J.

In a front page story, the Independent says just when it appeared that the perceived rumpus between Asanteman and President Jerry Rawlings was about to die of natural causes, another shot has been fired into the works.

The paper says the "Mpomponsuo" of Asante think-tank in seven countries, have written an open letter to the President to "formally protest in no uncertain terms" his attempt to "disrespect the institution of Asantehene". Signatories of the letter, the paper says, come from the Asante communities in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Japan and South Korea.

The Asante communities in those countries said when a delegation of Asante chiefs led by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutut II went to the Castle, it was on a peaceful and formal visit, but "without provocation", the President showed disrespect to the group.

The Independent says the letter also accused President Rawlings of disgracing Africa on the world stage when he appeared on CNN with what was described as "unguarded outburst".