Wontumi stakes NPP Chairmanship bid on grassroots record and electoral experience
As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gradually turns its attention towards rebuilding for the 2028 elections, Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has presented himself as a candidate whose political credentials have been forged through years of electoral contests, grassroots engagement and organisational leadership.
Speaking during interactions with party delegates and stakeholders in Accra over the weekend, the National Chairman hopeful made a case for his leadership bid, arguing that his political journey reflects the kind of resilience and practical experience needed to steer the party through its next chapter.
Rather than focusing on political titles, Wontumi told supporters that his career within the NPP has been shaped by continuous challenges that demanded perseverance and commitment.
“I have never had the luxury of an easy election,” he said. “Every battle has been hard fought. But those trials did not break me. They built me.”
The three-term Ashanti Regional Chairman pointed to his rise through the party ranks as evidence of the trust reposed in him by members over the years. He credited the party’s grassroots base for his political growth and described local party structures as the foundation of his leadership philosophy.
“The grassroots made me. I owe them everything,” he stated.
His remarks come as aspirants seeking national executive positions within the NPP intensify consultations ahead of internal contests expected to shape the party’s preparations for the next general election.
Wontumi used the engagement to highlight what he considers some of the defining principles of party leadership, placing particular emphasis on loyalty and collective responsibility.
“When the party chose Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, I put personal preference aside and worked for victory. That is what loyalty looks like. Not in words, but in work,” he said.
Positioning himself as a results-driven leader, he argued that the party’s future success would depend more on organisational effectiveness and action than rhetoric.
“We do not need more polished English. We need a working chairman. The NPP has no shortage of elites and eloquent speakers. I am here to deliver results,” he added.
The National Chairman aspirant outlined a programme centred on strengthening party unity, revitalising grassroots structures, expanding opportunities for younger members and helping secure electoral victory for the NPP in 2028 under the leadership of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
He also addressed concerns surrounding legal proceedings involving him, insisting that the matters should not be interpreted as a barrier to public service.
“Let me address the elephant in the room. My legal challenges do not disqualify me from serving. I respect the law. I believe in due process,” he stated.
“History is full of leaders who were tried in the fire while serving their people. What matters is integrity. What matters is resilience. I have both.”
Throughout the engagement, Wontumi repeatedly framed his campaign as one focused on service rather than status, pledging to remain closely connected to party structures across the country if elected.
“I am not asking to be served. I am asking to serve,” he said.
He concluded by assuring delegates that he would work collaboratively with national, regional and constituency executives to strengthen party cohesion and prepare the NPP for the political contests ahead.
About The Author
