Rugby President Rubbishes Money Laundering Allegations Against Otumfuo 


The president of Ghana Rugby Herbert Mensah has described as "truly unfortunate" money-laundering claims against Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, saying the allegation is not "worth us thinking about it".

Mr. Herbert Mensah who has an enduring friendship with the king, vouching for the personal integrity of the Asante monarch, said there is "nothing peculiar" to the story.

The UK's Telegraph and Daily Mail reported the revelations in an ongoing tribunal after the bank official, Mark Frank Arthur, who carried the money in a taxi to deposit at the Ghana Commercial Bank in London. 

He was subsequently fired for flouting anti-money laundering regulations and he is currently challenging his sacking in a UK court.

In Ghana, the subject has triggered reactions somewhat subdued in certain quarters where the king is held in high esteem.

Herbert Mensah who was a former Asante Kotoko chairman, said the king who is not on a salary often receives gifts from subjects and admirers alike.

He said, he witnessed a prominent Nigerian give the king a Rolls Royce as a gift while he visited the Otumfuo in the UK. 

Reminiscing when he was growing up, Mr. Mensah said he saw his father send "massive amounts of money" to the Asantehene.

"Like many monarchs, the Asantehene is not to be seen involved in any direct forms of business. 

"You don't get Otumfuo rushing into a bank," he defended Asante tradition and customs.

The tribunal at the UK, he said appears to be "borne out of internal politics at the bank."

While he concedes the transfer breached rules, he expressed disgust that it would be stretched to include claims of the Asantehene's involvement in illicit activities.

He said the allegation is "topical for people" but £350,000 is "relatively small in the scheme of things" pointing to bigger controversies such as the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) saga.

"For me, it is not a story", he said stating "I know of the integrity of the Otumfuo" 

The queen would never do that - Banker criticises Otumfuo.

Meanwhile, there has been no official reaction from the Manhyia Palace. 




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