Senior members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are taking steps toward political reconciliation as they prepare to formally apologise to President John Dramani Mahama on behalf of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The gesture follows public backlash and legal troubles faced by Chairman Wontumi, who is under investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for alleged financial crimes, including money laundering and fraud. His recent arrest and subsequent release on bail have intensified scrutiny of his conduct — both financial and political.
Speaking in an interview on Face to Face on Channel One TV, Effiduase Asokore MP and NPP senior figure, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, admitted that Wontumi’s previous public utterances—particularly personal attacks on former President Mahama—crossed the line of decency.
“Political rivalry is normal, but when it becomes personal and defamatory, that’s where we must draw the line,” Dr. Afriyie said. “We have reviewed the videos and spoken with Chairman Wontumi. He agrees he went overboard, and we believe it’s only right to extend an olive branch to President Mahama.”
Dr. Afriyie hinted that elements within the party believe President Mahama may be indirectly connected to the pressure Chairman Wontumi is facing, describing the legal developments as possibly influenced by “a hand bigger than EOCO or the intelligence agencies.” Nonetheless, he stressed that the right approach is dialogue and humility.
“If we must kneel to apologise, we will,” he said. “It’s time for leadership to show maturity, not just for Chairman Wontumi, but for the political health of the country.”
Chairman Wontumi was released from EOCO custody on June 2, having met his GH¢50 million bail condition with two justified sureties. A motion to review the bail condition, filed without his consent, was withdrawn by his legal team led by MP and lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi.
The NPP’s conciliatory posture is being interpreted by political analysts as an effort to manage internal damage and reposition the party’s public image ahead of the 2028 elections.
While it remains to be seen how President Mahama will respond to the planned apology, the move signals a rare moment of political introspection and a potential turning point in Ghana’s highly polarized political landscape.
