I’m Not Contesting for English Competition – Wontumi Fires Critics

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and an aspiring National Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has brushed off criticism about his English proficiency, insisting that leadership is about service and results, not language fluency.

Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, as reported by lawsonmediaonline.com, Wontumi said he remains fully focused on helping the party regain power in the 2028 general elections and is not distracted by attacks on his academic background or command of the English language.

“People saying I don’t speak good English doesn’t stop me. I’m unperturbed,” he said.

He stressed that his decision to contest the NPP National Chairmanship is rooted in a commitment to serve the party and strengthen its grassroots base, rather than pursue prestige or titles.

“I’m not in the National Chairmanship race for an English-speaking competition. I’m in it to serve the people, and I will always speak the language the grassroots understand,” he added.

Wontumi argued that the party’s priority should be winning political power rather than focusing on academic qualifications alone.

“I’m not here to spoil our constitution but to fulfil it and claim victory for the party. I don’t think the party is concerned about titles; rather, the party wants power,” he stated.

The three-time Ashanti Regional Chairman said his long service within the party is his strongest qualification.

“My certificate is my experience. I have been in this for 20 years. I have been regional chairman three consecutive times. I have the party constitution at heart,” he noted.

He further questioned the party’s past electoral performance, suggesting a stronger focus on grassroots mobilisation.

“We had elite leaders for the 2024 elections and we lost, so why don’t we try the grassroots as well?” he asked.

Wontumi pledged to help rebuild the party and correct mistakes that led to its electoral defeat, while promoting unity between the grassroots and intellectual wings of the NPP.

“I am coming to alleviate us from the pain of the election we lost. We have learnt from our mistakes and we are going to correct all of them,” he said.

He added that under his leadership, the party would become more inclusive and give hope to ordinary members.

“If I am made chairman, it will debunk all the allegations that if you don’t have a certificate you can’t rise up the ranks in the NPP,” he said.

Wontumi expressed confidence that his leadership would make the NPP more united and better positioned to recapture power in 2028.