Tensions have escalated in the Ashanti Region following a heated clash between Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and retired police chief, COP Nathan Kofi Boakye.
The disagreement centers on Wontumi’s accusations that Boakye is supporting the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and inciting unrest ahead of the 2024 general elections.
Chairman Wontumi has gone as far as accusing Boakye of training individuals to disrupt public order, demanding his immediate arrest.
In a fiery statement on his Wontumi Radio platform, Wontumi urged citizens to take action, claiming the retired police chief was behind efforts to undermine his influence in the Ashanti Region.
“If there is any disorder, Kofi Boakye will be held accountable!” Wontumi declared. “You wanted to become IGP under an NPP government, and now you’re aiding NDC agents to create chaos. I am more powerful than you, Kofi Boakye, and I will make sure you face the consequences!”
This public outburst follows an incident where Kofi Boakye reportedly thwarted efforts by Wontumi’s associates to disrupt the NDC’s “Enough is Enough” demonstration in Kumasi, further intensifying the long-standing animosity between the two.
A History of Hostility
The rivalry between Wontumi and Boakye can be traced back to a prior confrontation between the Wontumi and the member of parliament for Manhyia North Constituency where the Ashanti regional chairman slap the Member of Parliament (MP) Randy Owusu Amankwa who he accused of sabotaging the party in the Ashanti region.
A complaint of assault was filed against the Chairman Wontumi leading to his arrest by the then Ashanti regional Commander COP Nathan Kofi Boakye of the Ghana Police Service.
This painful arrest is believed to be the reason Wontumi has developed hatred for COP retired Kofi Boakye leading to the brewing between the two. Currently it appears Chairman Wontumi feels threaten by COP Kofi Boakye’s association with the NDC in the stronghold of the New Patriotic Party, the Ashanti Region.
The ‘Enough is Enough’ Demonstration
The NDC’s “Enough is Enough” demonstration, held to demand an audit of the voter register, has become a flashpoint in the region’s political climate. Kofi Boakye’s involvement in ensuring the demonstration proceeded without disruption has further infuriated Wontumi, who sees it as a direct challenge to his authority and influence.
As the political atmosphere intensifies ahead of the 2024 elections, this feud between two of Ashanti’s most prominent figures is likely to continue fueling tensions in the region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
