We Suspect Hotel Officials Involvement - Otumfuo's Secretary

Stricken by the turn of events, Mr. Owusu Boateng, Secretary to Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, says the delegation in Oslo-Norway suspects the involvement of some officials at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, where jewels of the Asantehene were stolen.

Speaking exclusively to Ghanaweb.com from Norway, Mr. Owusu Boateng pointed out that the circumstances which led to the stealing of the treasured jewels raises lots of concerns and speculations.

With a wobbly tone, the secretary explained that the priceless jewels contained in a portable suitcase reached the hotel on Wednesday whilst Otumfuo and his team were in London attending a separate assignment.

“The suitcase got to the hotel whilst we (Otumfuo and his team) were in London. We are told that when the suitcase containing the jewels was handed to the hotel porter somebody engaged him in a conversation and within a few seconds the suitcase was nowhere to be found.

So clearly the whole thing was organised,” Mr. Owusu Boateng lamented.

The suitcase got to the Hotel six hours earlier before Otumfuo and his entourage arrived at Oslo, according to the secretary.

He was however optimistic that the police would be able to apprehend the culprits and retrieve the jewels before the delegation head back home.

“We have absolute confidence in the police and we believe that with their sophisticated gadgets and professionalism, they will be able to arrest the people involved before we leave here”, he added.

Asked if the delegation was concerned about the safety of Otumfuo in the hotel, he answered “No, we are not worried about his safety because we have been assured of maximum protection by the security”.

It was in this direction that Mr. Owusu Boateng dismissed speculations that Otumfuo could be dethroned should he return home without the said jewels. “Whoever said that Otumfuo will be dethroned because of this is ignorant about the customs and traditions of Asanteman, and such statements should be treated with contempt,” Mr. Owusu Boateng explained.

Source: ghanaweb