In the lead-up to the 2024 general election, tensions brewed within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region, revealing deep-seated political rivalries. One of the most discussed rifts was between Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and the party’s running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO).
Speaking on Wontumi TV, radio host Oheneba shed light on what transpired between the two influential figures. According to him, Chairman Wontumi was strongly opposed to NAPO’s selection as the running mate to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a decision rooted in past political grievances.
“Chairman Wontumi was against NAPO as running mate of the NPP. This is because NAPO campaigned against Chairman Wontumi during the Ashanti Regional chairmanship elections but God being so good, Wontumi won the elections. So how do you expect Wontumi to back NAPO to become vice president? So if you notice, there was no proper relationship between NAPO and Wontumi during the campaign season,” Oheneba revealed.
The tension reportedly stemmed from the 2022 NPP Ashanti Regional chairmanship race, where NAPO allegedly supported Wontumi’s opponent in an attempt to unseat him. Despite the efforts, Wontumi emerged victorious, reinforcing his stronghold in the region. However, the wounds from that contest never fully healed, creating an uneasy relationship when NAPO was announced as Bawumia’s running mate.
Throughout the campaign season, political analysts and party insiders observed a noticeable disconnect between the two men. Unlike previous elections where the regional chairman actively supported the party’s key candidates, Wontumi’s backing for NAPO appeared lukewarm at best. This, according to some political watchers, may have contributed to internal divisions that affected the party’s unity in the stronghold region.
The revelation by Oheneba has sparked debates among NPP supporters, with some arguing that personal rivalries should not influence major political decisions. Others believe such issues are inevitable in politics, especially when key stakeholders feel sidelined.
As the dust settles on the 2024 elections, the lingering question remains: Will the party find a way to mend these internal rifts ahead of future contests, or will personal interests continue to shape the dynamics of Ghana’s political landscape?
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