Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has sparked a national debate by claiming that Ghanaians are already "missing" the governance of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Speaking on Monday, February 16, 2026, Wontumi asserted that the current economic challenges under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have led the citizenry to yearn for the leadership of Akufo-Addo and his former Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. This bold declaration coincides with Wontumi’s formal bid to contest for the position of National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party.
Wontumi argued that the NPP remains the only political organization capable of a true "reset" for Ghana's economy. His comments come at a critical juncture as the party prepares for its 2028 electoral cycle, following the recent NPP Presidential Primaries held on January 31, 2026, where Dr. Bawumia emerged as a central figure for the party's future.
Chairman Wontumi and the NPP Strategy for 2028
In his bid for the National Chairmanship, Chairman Wontumi emphasized that the party requires "courageous and decisive leadership" to reclaim power in the 2028 General Elections. He noted that his decision to run follows extensive consultations with party elders and the youth, aimed at unifying the NPP after its recent internal contests.
Grassroots Empowerment: Wontumi pledged to focus on the grassroots, claiming that every member from the elders to the youngest supporters is vital for the upcoming political battle.
Winning Mentality: He urged delegates to prioritize "winnability," dismissing decisions based solely on personal relationships or lineage.
Economic Defense: Wontumi defended the legacy of Nana Akufo-Addo, contrasting it with current reports of payment delays for cocoa farmers and price reductions under the John Dramani Mahama administration.
Political Friction: Wontumi vs. the NDC "Reset" Agenda
The "reset" rhetoric used by Chairman Wontumi directly challenges the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its own "Accra Reset" framework. While President John Dramani Mahama has championed a reset of national institutions, Wontumi argues that the NPP's version of a reset is the only one that will provide lasting relief to Ghanaians.
This ideological clash is further intensified by the brutal warnings from NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who recently claimed the NDC itself is in danger of "collapsing" if it does not undergo a total strategic overhaul. Wontumi has used these internal NDC admissions to bolster his claim that the New Patriotic Party is the more stable and prepared alternative for the nation.
Context: The State of the New Patriotic Party in 2026
The New Patriotic Party is currently navigating a period of significant transition. Following the January 31, 2026, flagbearer race, the party has broadened its delegate base to include more local and external branch officials to enhance transparency. Chairman Wontumi has remained a steadfast loyalist to the previous administration, frequently referring to Nana Akufo-Addo as a father figure and a leader whose policies—such as Free SHS and COVID-19 relief—set a high bar for governance.
However, Wontumi’s path to the National Chairmanship is not without obstacles. He is currently attending to legal obligations related to an illegal mining case, which has occasionally limited his physical presence on campaign tours for other party figures like Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. Despite this, he maintains that his "heart and political strength" remain fully behind the party's mission to return to power.
What Happens Next for Chairman Wontumi and the NPP
The New Patriotic Party is expected to open formal nominations for national executive positions in the coming months. Wontumi’s bid will likely face competition from other stalwarts as the party seeks to balance its traditional Ashanti stronghold interests with broader national appeal.
In the Parliament of Ghana, the NPP minority is expected to use Wontumi’s "Ghanaians miss us" narrative to pressure the National Democratic Congress government on key economic indicators, particularly the ongoing cocoa crisis. The outcome of Wontumi's legal case at Samreboi will also be a critical factor in his ability to lead the party as it enters the 2026-2027 organizational phase.
Summary of Chairman Wontumi’s Claims on the NPP Reset
The declaration by Chairman Wontumi that "Ghanaians miss Nana Akufo-Addo" serves as the opening salvo of his campaign for the National Chairmanship. By positioning the New Patriotic Party as the only force capable of a meaningful reset, Wontumi is attempting to rally the party's base and capitalize on the current economic friction facing the John Dramani Mahama government.
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