General News of Sunday, 10 November 2024

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

How I became 'entangled' in Wontumi's 'fight' with Kwaku Oteng - Popular radio presenter Kwame Tanko details

Popular broadcast journalist Kwame Tanko Popular broadcast journalist Kwame Tanko

Popular broadcast journalist Kwame Tanko has detailed how he became involved in the verbal war that ensued between Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, and Kwaku Oteng, the owner of the Angel Group of Companies.

Kwame Tanko, who was the host of the Angel FM breakfast show, said that despite persistent pressure from Kwaku Oteng, who was unhappy with Wontumi’s allegations against him, he decided to stay away from the fight.

He was, however, compelled to get involved after a presenter at Wontumi FM made some derogatory remarks against him.

Kwame Tanko says he was deeply hurt and angered by the development as he considered the host of Wontumi FM’s breakfast show a friend.

He then decided to join in the fight and defend the interests of his boss, Kwaku Oteng, against the claims of Chairman Wontumi.

“Chairman Wontumi had an issue with my boss, Kwaku Oteng. He was making a lot of statements on TV and radio. Initially, I didn't want to get involved, but my boss called, complaining that Wontumi's allegations against him weren't true.

“I didn't mind him until the host of Wontumi's morning show used the opportunity to say some terrible things about me. I was hurt because we were friends. From there, I decided to get involved and became the fight editor. Kwaku Oteng ensured that we were civil, so I never insulted Chairman Wontumi.”

Kwame Tanko disclosed that during the course of the verbal war, a colleague journalist whom he holds in high esteem reached out and asked him to stop attacking Chairman Wontumi.

Tanko said that from that very day, he decided to refrain from the attacks and is happy that things have normalised between him and Chairman Wontumi.

He commended Chairman Wontumi for his good heart and generosity, revealing that the politician-cum-businessman gifted him ₵5000 when he met him recently.

“Deep within me, I'm not happy it happened like that. Even though I was pushed, I shouldn't have gotten involved. We are very tight now. The last time I met him, he gave me ₵5000. He easily forgives,” he said.

EK/ ADG