NPP Leaders Prepare to Apologize to President Mahama Over Chairman Wontumi’s Controversy

Senior figures within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are preparing to pay a formal visit to President John Dramani Mahama to offer an apology on behalf of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Dr Nana Ayew Afriyie, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Health Committee, revealed this during an interview on Channel One TV. He suggested that President Mahama might be orchestrating the legal actions against Chairman Wontumi, asserting that the matter goes beyond the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and intelligence agencies.

Dr Afriyie acknowledged that Chairman Wontumi’s conduct ahead of the 2024 general elections was inappropriate, particularly citing videos in which Wontumi made personal attacks. He explained that he showed these videos to Wontumi on June 9 and told him that the party would go and beg the President, even if it meant kneeling, to apologize for crossing the line.

While emphasizing that political rivalry is a normal part of democracy, Dr Afriyie stressed it must not involve personal insults or fabrications. He urged the NPP leadership to act with humility in resolving the issue and confirmed that Chairman Wontumi has agreed to apologize.

Chairman Wontumi is currently under investigation by EOCO for alleged financial offenses, including fraud and money laundering. He was granted bail on June 2 after meeting bail conditions, but his legal team had earlier filed a motion on May 30 to seek a review of the GH¢50 million bail bond, which they formally withdrew a day before the scheduled hearing.

This unfolding saga has generated significant political tension, with the NPP accusing the government of a politically motivated campaign against their official. The party’s planned apology visit aims to ease tensions and demonstrate accountability amid the ongoing investigations.