In a recent interview on TV3 News Central with Williams Evans-Nkum, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chair of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has indicated the unwavering commitment of the party to their campaign in Ejisu.
The interview shed light on the fervent efforts of the party to maintain its stronghold in the region, amidst the challenges and speculation of how fierce the contest appears for the party in the midst of the ongoing economic hardship.
Wontumi emphasised how the victory of Kwabena Boateng, the NPP’s candidate for the upcoming by-election, reflected the will of the people of Ejisu.
Joined by key party figures, Wontumi emphasised the party’s dedication to solicit support for Boateng, portraying him as the rightful successor to the outgoing MP, John Kumah.
“So, as a Regional Chairman, the General Secretary is here, Justin Frimpong Kodua is here, our National Organizer is also here, Nana Bee is here, so we are here to campaign. And today, as you have followed us since this morning, you will see that the people of Ejisu want to honour John Kumah, and use Kwabena Boateng to replace him. This is what you can see. That is why a lot of people are happy cheering and chanting lawyer go, lawyer come, lawyer go, lawyer come,” optimistic Wontumi told Evans-Nkum.
On Wontumi’s perceived apprehension towards Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, a former MP and and now independent candidate in the race, he swiftly dismissed those notions, highlighting his prior victory over Aduomi in the Ashanti regional NPP chairmanship contest. He reiterated the party’s focus on development and urged the people of Ejisu to rally behind the NPP for progress.
“Are you truthful to yourself? You are truthful. Kwabena Aduomi, he contested with me not long ago in the stadium. He got nine votes, number nine. We call him number nine. I won. So I’m the boss. But we are here to plead with the Ejisu people, on behalf of John Kumah, for them to know that it’s only the government who can do development, and can help the Ejisu people,” he said.
Addressing rumors of Aduomi’s potential return to the NPP, Wontumi remained diplomatic on his stance. He emphasised the need for gratitude and loyalty, suggesting that the former NPP MP should acknowledge the party’s support during his tenure as lawmaker.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman further indicated that when Kwabena Owusu Aduomi steps down, the NPP will gladly receive him.
“If he wants to come. The NPP has honored him for 12 years, to become MP. So he has to be grateful to NPP, he should step aside, and then we will know that you want to join the NPP. You want to file as an Independent candidate, if indeed that you want to come back to NPP, I’m here, I’m the NPP. I’m the chief servant of the NPP, and I’m the leader of Ashanti region, I have had a favor from God and man. I’m leading the NPP. Even I spoke to him. So I’m surprised about his attitude. He is somebody who doesn’t want development in Ejisu. So we want to campaign for Kwabena Boateng. If he wants to step down, take it from me, he can come.” Wontumi noted
By Abraham Abdulai Ayagri
