‘I supported NPP with GH¢1 billion in 2014’ – Chairman Wontumi

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has made a bold revelation that he personally funded the NPP’s 2014 National Delegates Congress in Tamale with a donation of GH¢1 billion (old cedis).

He made this statement during an exclusive interview on his own platform, Wontumi TV, on Thursday, May 15, 2025. According to him, this huge amount was from his own pocket and done purely out of love and dedication to the party, without expecting any reward in return.

Chairman Wontumi, known for his flamboyant style and controversial political statements, also used the opportunity to announce his intention to contest for the position of National Chairman of the NPP, ahead of the party’s next internal elections.

“I Am a Very Selfless Person” — Wontumi Opens Up

In the live interview, Wontumi said his record of serving and financing the NPP, both at the constituency, regional, and national levels, is well-documented and beyond dispute.

“If the late Jake Obetsebi Lamptey were alive today, he would have been the one leading my campaign,” he said emotionally.

He continued:

“When I was the Bosomtwe Constituency Chairman, I didn’t only help my own constituency—I also supported the Ashanti Regional Office and even sent money to the national office every month, especially when we were in opposition.”

Chairman Wontumi explained that in 2014, after organising the Ashanti Regional Delegates Conference, he had some funds left over. Out of loyalty to the party, he donated GH¢1 billion from the leftover money to help fund the national congress in Tamale, where Paul Afoko and Kwabena Agyepong were elected as National Chairman and General Secretary, respectively.

“This is not the first or last time I’ve done such a thing,” he added. “I have always made sacrifices to keep the NPP strong. I’m a very selfless person.”

Chairman Wontumi’s Longstanding Commitment to the NPP

Aside from cash donations, Wontumi also shared stories of how he personally rented office space for the NPP in Ashanti Region for 10 years, paying the rent from his own pocket. He later secured a permanent building for the regional party office.

This, he said, was part of his personal commitment to ensure the party had the resources and infrastructure needed to remain active and visible in the region.

He did not only offer financial support — he also invested his time, energy, and influence to strengthen the NPP’s grassroots in what is considered the party’s stronghold region.

“The party has made me popular, and I am thankful,” he said. “But I also gave the party my all. My support has never been about personal gain.”

A Declaration to Lead at the National Level

Now, after years of serving as Ashanti Regional Chairman, Wontumi has set his eyes on the National Chairmanship position. According to him, the time has come for him to move from regional leadership to national leadership, so that he can bring the same energy, commitment, and resources to the entire NPP structure.

His ambition comes at a time when the party is still recovering from its defeat in the 2024 general elections, where the NDC’s John Mahama won with 56.55%, beating NPP’s Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who polled 41.31%.

Wontumi believes the NPP needs a bold, committed, and resourceful leader who understands the party at all levels and can mobilise resources and people to ensure a strong comeback in 2028.

Mixed Reactions Within the Party

Chairman Wontumi’s revelation and ambition have sparked mixed reactions among party supporters and political analysts.

Some members of the party, especially in Ashanti Region, have welcomed the announcement and expressed support, praising him for his consistent financial and organisational backing of the NPP.

Others, however, believe the position of National Chairman requires someone with a calmer, more strategic style, especially as the party prepares to rebuild from opposition.

An NPP youth organiser in Kumasi, speaking anonymously, said:

“Wontumi is a strong mobiliser. There’s no doubt about that. But leading the national party will require more diplomacy and unity building. We’ll need to assess whether he fits that national role.”

A Party Loyalist or a Power-Seeker?

Some critics have accused Wontumi of using his wealth and media platform to push for power and influence in the party. However, his supporters say this is far from the truth.

According to a former NPP constituency secretary in Ashanti Region:

“This man has put his money where his mouth is for years. Many others talk, but Wontumi takes action. He’s not seeking power—he’s answering a call to serve.”

Even political opponents have acknowledged that Wontumi’s influence in the NPP is undeniable, especially in the Ashanti Region, where he helped mobilise votes in multiple elections.

Looking Ahead to 2028

As Ghana prepares for the 2028 general elections, the NPP will be looking to reorganise its leadership, rebuild trust, and present a stronger campaign to regain power.

If Wontumi is successful in becoming the next National Chairman, he will play a crucial role in shaping the future direction of the party and determining its presidential candidate, campaign strategy, and grassroots mobilisation plan.

Conclusion: Is Chairman Wontumi the Man to Lead the NPP Nationally?

Only time will tell if Chairman Wontumi’s GH¢1 billion claim and longstanding loyalty to the NPP will be enough to win him the National Chairmanship slot.

But one thing is clear: he is not stepping back from politics anytime soon. With his trademark confidence and larger-than-life persona, Wontumi is positioning himself as a man of action, who says he’s ready to lift the NPP to new heights.

As internal campaigns heat up in the party, the question remains: Will the NPP reward Wontumi’s sacrifices with a national leadership role? Or will the party opt for a new face altogether?

Whatever the case, Chairman Wontumi has already stirred the waters — and the whole nation is watching.