Man’s insults at Asantehene spark public outrage and alleged assault

A video showing a man identified as Mustapha verbally attacking the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has triggered widespread backlash and reports of physical retaliation against him.

The footage, which quickly went viral on social media, captured Mustapha mocking the Asantehene’s recent directive urging residents within the Ashanti jurisdiction to observe an early curfew. In the clip, he dismissed the order, saying, “only fools will obey and sleep early.”

The remarks were met with immediate condemnation, viewed as both disrespectful to the revered Ashanti monarch and a direct affront to traditional authority.

The Asantehene’s curfew directive, issued by the Manhyia Palace, formed part of heightened security measures to safeguard communities in Kumasi and its surrounding areas. Many residents had welcomed the move, seeing it as essential to curb crime and maintain order.

However, the controversy escalated when reports emerged that Mustapha had been physically assaulted by unidentified individuals believed to be angered by his comments.

Hours later, another video surfaced on his social media page showing Mustapha visibly shaken, retracting his earlier statements, and issuing a heartfelt apology to the Asantehene.

The episode underscores the deep cultural reverence attached to traditional leadership in Ghana and the serious consequences of perceived disrespect. At the same time, it raises concerns about vigilante responses and the risks of social media being used to inflame tensions around cultural and traditional matters.