The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has dispelled rumours of internal discord regarding the party’s running mate for the 2024 elections, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO.
In an interview with Onua FM on July 15, 2024, Wontumi affirmed his unwavering support for NAPO and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate.
Addressing speculation of rifts within the party, Wontumi clarified, “There are no internal conflicts. Bawumia was bold in selecting his running mate, NAPO, from the Ashanti region, and we have supported this decision wholeheartedly. We are not just supporting them; we are committed to ensuring their victory in the 2024 elections.”
He emphasized his role in the selection process, stating, “Wontumi was among the people who endorsed NAPO. Politics is a democracy, and I can confirm that I was one of the people who endorsed NAPO. So, between NAPO and me, the impression is what is giving the NDC a problem because they thought we would be divided.”
Further addressing his own aspirations, Wontumi humorously remarked, “No, me as Wontumi, I don’t want the running mate position. I can’t even speak better English to become a running mate. I have a limit to my English, so I won’t go and say anything for me to become a topic of discussion because of my English.”
Comparing NAPO to a football legend, Wontumi likened him to Ronaldo, emphasizing the misconceptions sometimes imposed on him.
“And I see NAPO as Ronaldo, of which some Ghanaians want to conclude and change his words. What he hasn’t said, they want to impose on him,” he added.