The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, faces accusations of allegedly exploiting the party’s presidential running mate position for personal gain.
The Manhyia South Constituency Chairman of the NPP, Richard Adjei Mensah Ofori Atta, also known as Tom Tom, raised concerns about this perceived harmful trend, warning of potential consequences for the party’s unity in the Ashanti Region.
In interviews with Kumasi-based Sompa FM and Accra-based Okay FM on Monday, March 11, 2024, Tom Tom urged the party’s national executives to intervene and rein in Chairman Wontumi.
Tom Tom claimed that Wontumi, knowing that the running mate would likely be chosen from the Ashanti Region, had allegedly devised a scheme to exploit the situation for personal gain.
“He [Wontumi] is allegedly engaging in the trading of the running mate slot. Initially, he attempted to secure it for Education Minister Dr. Adutwum, and when that failed, he turned to Dr. John Kumah until his unfortunate demise,” Tom Tom asserted.
Furthermore, Tom Tom alleged that following Dr. Kumah’s death, Chairman Wontumi was allegedly tarnishing the reputation of potential running mates he opposed, with the assistance of his associates, particularly a presenter on Wontumi media named Oheneba Nana Asiedu.
Tom Tom emphasized that recent developments on Wontumi FM/radio seemed to corroborate this narrative, indicating a concerted effort by the Ashanti Regional Chairman.
He urged the party’s leadership to urgently intervene and restrain Chairman Wontumi, highlighting the importance of preserving unity within the region.
“He [ Wontumi] is trading the running mate slot. First, he did it with Education Minister, Dr Adutwum and when it failed, he shifted to Dr John Kumah until his untimely death, “ Tom Tom stated.
“He is doing this using his aides led by a presenter of Wontumi media, Oheneba Nana Asiedu,” he stressed.
“Already, divisions are being created in the region and this must be arrested as early as possible because we cannot toy with our stronghold, “ he said.