Legal troubles won’t hurt my National Chairman campaign – Wontumi

Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, says his ongoing legal challenges will not derail his campaign for the party’s National Chairman position.

Popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, he said politics demands resilience and sacrifice, insisting he remains focused on both his ambition and the party’s quest to return to power in the 2028 general election.

Speaking during a campaign media engagement on Asaase Radio, Mr. Boasiako said he has remained active despite appearing in court over criminal charges.

“Politics is not for the comfortable. It’s for people who can endure pains and take advantage of the pains,” he said.

The Ashanti Regional Chairman disclosed that he is the only aspirant for the National Chairman position who has toured all 16 regions as part of his campaign to engage party members.

“As of now, I’m the only contender who has toured all 16 regions. Upon all the difficulties I’m going through, I’m not disconnected from the grassroots. I’m still communicating,” he stated.

Mr. Boasiako also suggested that his public appearances after court proceedings have become a symbol of encouragement to supporters backing the NPP’s efforts to regain political power.

“Sometimes you’ll see me from the court clocking it. You know it’s a signal. Anyone that clocks it is part of the plan to make Dr. Bawumia president in 2028,” he said.

Chairman Wontumi is currently facing two criminal trials at the Accra High Court involving allegations of fraud, money laundering and illegal mining-related offences.

Prosecutors allege that he and some associates fraudulently obtained GH¢14.3 million from the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank) for a farming project and used a forged receipt to secure an additional GH¢4 million loan.

The prosecution further claims the transactions caused the state financial losses exceeding GH¢30 million. The charges include obtaining money by false pretences, fraudulent breach of trust and money laundering.

The cases remain before the Accra High Court, where both the prosecution and defence are engaged in plea negotiations. Proceedings have been adjourned for further updates while the legal process continues.

Despite the ongoing cases, Mr. Boasiako maintains that his campaign for the NPP National Chairman position remains on course.