The Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CoHSS) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Charles Marfo, has advised the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to reconsider his decision to contest the party’s National Chairman position.
Chairman Wontumi recently announced his intention to vie for the National Chairman slot ahead of the party’s internal elections.
Speaking during a panel discussion on Oyerepa Breakfast Time, Professor Marfo expressed the view that Wontumi’s decision to contest could be detrimental to the political fortunes of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s flagbearer.
According to Professor Marfo, Chairman Wontumi’s leadership style has been divisive within the party, arguing that this could weaken unity at a critical time.
“The divisive tendencies of Wontumi are too widespread within the party. Even if he contests in the Ashanti Region, I would not expect them to vote for him,” he said.
He further questioned Wontumi’s posture in recent public encounters, suggesting that his conduct in the past does not project the level of confidence required for the role.
“Where lies his boldness? Was he not the same person shouting when he was being arrested? He would do a lot of good for Dr. Bawumia if he does not contest as chairman,” Professor Marfo added.
The KNUST don also urged Chairman Wontumi to focus on resolving his pending legal issues rather than pursuing a national party position.
“People should be talking to him. He should take time for himself and focus on his court case. He might utter words that could even worsen his situation. He is smart, which is why I like him, but he should preserve the party’s dignity,” he stated.
