Amid growing political realignments within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has taken a reconciliatory step by extending an apology to President John Dramani Mahama over comments he made in the heat of past political contests.
In an exclusive interview with 1957 News, Wontumi admitted that his earlier criticisms of Mahama were motivated by party loyalty at a time when Mahama was seeking political power. He said those statements should now be viewed within the context of partisan campaigning rather than personal hostility.
According to the outspoken party figure, his stance has shifted since Mahama assumed office, stressing that respect for leadership must supersede political rivalry once elections are over.
“If I meet Mahama, he is our president. At the time he was contesting, I had to work for my party. But now he is our president, so what I will tell him is that the same way Akufo-Addo handed over to him, he should also hand over to Dr Bawumia,” he said.
Wontumi further pointed to Ghana’s democratic tradition of peaceful transitions, recalling how former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo handed over power to Mahama without incident. He argued that the same standard should apply when the next handover occurs.
He also struck a humble tone, saying political actors must sometimes acknowledge wrongdoing and seek reconciliation.
“Once we are human, sometimes we are not above asking for forgiveness. So, if I have offended him (Mahama), I am no bigger than asking for forgiveness. If I have done anything wrong, willingly or unwillingly, I will say I am sorry,” Wontumi added.
Beyond reconciliation, Chairman Wontumi also used the interview to outline his future political plans. He disclosed his intention to contest for the National Chairmanship of the NPP, describing the move as part of a broader strategy to reorganise and energise the party.
He said his ultimate aim is to help the NPP regain power in the 2028 general elections, insisting that his ambition is rooted in service to the party and the country.
