The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has engaged in a public war of words with pro-NPP journalist Paul Adom-Otchere following criticism over the ongoing Ashantifest celebrations.
The disagreement began after Mr. Adom-Otchere, host of the current affairs programme Good Evening Ghana on Metro TV in Accra, reportedly criticised the minister over activities associated with the annual festival.
The criticism centred on the recent painting of portraits of influential and celebrated Ghanaians as part of the Ashantifest events, which have since gone viral across the country.
Reacting to the comments, Dr. Amoakohene accused the journalist of attempting to defame him and challenged him to verify his claims. In a strongly worded response, the minister said he had chosen innovation while his critic had chosen what he described as less impactful priorities.
The minister also released details of his academic background, stating that he had attained multiple qualifications by the age of 35.
The document shared publicly outlined his educational journey, including degrees in medical laboratory science, medicine and business administration.
Dr. Amoakohene further challenged Mr. Adom-Otchere to make his own academic credentials public and questioned circumstances surrounding his sacking from the Ghana School of Law.
The exchange has generated widespread debate on social media, with supporters of both figures weighing in on the controversy surrounding Ashantifest and the broader discussion about public accountability and leadership.
The minister said ” When you got the chance, you chose to buy Christmas trees. I chose to be innovative so if you want to defame me, at least do your due diligence. Below is my academic background at 35 years. I dare the Christmas tree to share his academic background at 51 years and explain to us why he was sacked from law school”.
Ashantifest is an annual event organised in the Ashanti Region to celebrate culture, arts and development initiatives, and this year’s edition has attracted significant public attention due to the portrait project and the subsequent dispute between the regional minister and the television host.
Source:www.kumasimail.com
