The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has spearheaded a campaign effort in the Mampong constituency, rallying local support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the 2026 NPP flagbearer primaries.
This move has sparked criticism within party ranks, with some interpreting the action as a direct contravention of directives issued by the party’s General Secretary.
Addressing the Mampong NPP executive team, Chairman Wontumi emphasized the importance of solidarity and active backing for Dr. Bawumia’s bid for the party’s highest nomination.
He exhorted the constituency chairman and party executives to take ownership of the campaign, entrusting them with advancing the vice president’s candidacy.
“We came here with our campaign. Constituency chairman, this is placed in your care, along with your executives, former MCEs, council elders, patrons, and coordinators. We are handing over the campaign into your hands,” Chairman Wontumi declared.
Reflecting on the constituency’s successful mobilization efforts during previous elections, he expressed confidence in their ability to deliver strong results.
In a pointed moment, Chairman Wontumi asked the constituency chairman to estimate the level of support Dr. Bawumia could expect in Mampong.
Receiving an affirmative response suggesting 90%, he instructed his coordinators to note the figure, underscoring his certainty: “Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the person we are talking about here.”
The campaign visit has raised eyebrows among party insiders, who have voiced concerns that Chairman Wontumi, a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC), appears to have disregarded the General Secretary’s guideline on campaign engagements at the regional level.
As the 2026 primaries approach, this development signals an intensification of internal party activities and competition, with regional leaders like Chairman Wontumi taking proactive steps to influence outcomes in key constituencies such as Mampong.
In Justin Frimpong Koduah’s directive issued on July 24, 2025, it was instructed that, and excerpts of the letter read: “The immediate cessation of all caucuses or associations of present and former party executives/government appointees holding meetings with presidential aspirants in breach of party regulations.”
The statement also added “The party wishes to once again remind members of their constitutional obligations to protect party unity, to abide by and publicly support the Party’s decisions, and to refrain from engaging in acts that threaten party cohesion.”
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu
