Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has denied claims that he disrespected or misrepresented the party’s National Council during his recent engagements with grassroots supporters.
His response follows a statement by NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, urging party members to disregard remarks made by Wontumi and Bono Regional Chairman Kwame Baffoe (Abronye DC). Kodua stressed that no individual holds unilateral authority over party structures, including decisions on the polling station album or the scheduling of presidential primaries.
However, in a statement released on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Wontumi described the General Secretary’s comments as unfair and misleading.
“At no point during my engagements did I invoke or criticize the National Council,” he stated. “This can easily be verified through video recordings of my meetings.”
Wontumi clarified that his comments focused on the party’s historical journey and how it could draw lessons to regain power in 2028 under the leadership of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. He referenced the comeback of former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who, despite challenges after the 1996 primaries, ultimately secured victory in the 2000 elections.
“Just like President Kufuor once did, Dr. Bawumia needs just a 9% swing to win the 2028 election,” Wontumi noted.
He emphasized that, as a regional chairman closely connected to the party’s base, his remarks reflected feedback from grassroots supporters, not an attack on party structures or leadership.
“The National Council of the NPP was never mentioned in any of my public statements,” he reiterated. “It is unfortunate that the General Secretary may have been misled by propaganda seeking to twist my intentions.”
Wontumi concluded by urging party leaders to verify information thoroughly before issuing official statements, cautioning against the growing risks of misrepresentation and manipulation, especially in a digital era where tools like AI can be used to distort facts.
“If we’re not careful, false narratives and external sabotage can cause unnecessary divisions within our party,” he warned.
