National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has reacted to the 20-year prison sentence handed to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, saying the conviction has changed the dynamics of the New Patriotic Party’s future leadership race.
Speaking during an interview on Ambassadors TV on Saturday, August 1, 2026, Asiedu Nketiah said his biggest disappointment over Wontumi’s conviction is that it effectively ends his chances of contesting for the National Chairmanship of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Asiedu Nketiah Says Wontumi’s Conviction Affects NPP Leadership Contest
According to the NDC National Chairman, Chairman Wontumi’s absence from the anticipated NPP national executive elections could work against his party’s political calculations.
Asiedu Nketiah remarked that he had hoped Wontumi would contest the NPP National Chairmanship, adding that such a contest would have benefited the NDC politically.
He further stated that he would also like to see Kwame Baffoe (Abronye DC) emerge victorious in any future NPP leadership race, suggesting it would make the political contest easier for the governing party.
NDC Chairman Criticises NPP’s Support for Wontumi
Beyond his comments on the leadership race, Asiedu Nketiah criticised the New Patriotic Party for publicly backing Chairman Wontumi following his conviction.
He argued that the party risks damaging its public image by rallying behind a member who has been convicted in connection with an illegal mining (galamsey) case.
According to him, the NPP’s reaction could undermine the party’s credibility and public confidence.
Wontumi Conviction Continues to Generate Political Debate
The sentencing of Chairman Wontumi has continued to dominate Ghana’s political landscape, with leaders from both the NPP and NDC expressing differing views on the case and its wider political implications.
The conviction has intensified discussions surrounding party leadership, judicial accountability, illegal mining enforcement, and the future direction of Ghana’s major political parties.
Source: newsthemegh.com