The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Chairmanship contest has taken a new turn following the decision by the campaign of former Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to endorse John Boadu.
The move effectively brings the Wontumi campaign’s independent bid to an end, with its grassroots structures, supporters and organisational network expected to be mobilised in support of Mr Boadu’s candidature.
The endorsement was announced at a press conference on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, by Administrator of the Wontumi Campaign Team, Dennis Okyere Danso.
Mr Danso explained that the decision followed consultations with grassroots members, party elders and other stakeholders.
He said the September 4 visit to Chairman Wontumi at Nsawam also played a role in shaping the campaign’s decision to unite behind Mr Boadu.
According to him, the alliance combines the strong grassroots mobilisation capacity associated with the Wontumi campaign with Mr Boadu’s experience in managing the NPP’s administrative structures.
“The Wontumi Campaign has taken the decision to close ranks and throw its full weight, organisational capacity and grassroots machinery behind Mr John Boadu for the position of National Chairman,” he said.
A strategic move for party unity
Mr Danso said the decision should not be viewed merely as an agreement between two political camps but as part of a broader effort to rebuild unity within the opposition party.
He argued that the NPP needed to put internal differences aside and strengthen its organisational structures ahead of the 2028 general elections.
“This is bigger than two campaigns. It is about putting the party above individual interests and ensuring that the NPP emerges stronger, more united and better organised,” he stated.
The administrator subsequently directed members of the Wontumi campaign across the regions, constituencies and polling stations to channel their mobilisation efforts towards Mr Boadu.
He urged supporters and volunteers to treat the endorsement as a collective commitment and actively participate in Mr Boadu’s campaign.
Mr Danso said the partnership could provide the NPP with a combination of grassroots mobilisation and institutional party management, which he believes would strengthen the party’s organisational base.
Call for a peaceful contest
While announcing the alliance, Mr Danso also appealed to all candidates and their supporters to maintain peace throughout the internal elections.
He urged contestants to embrace what he described as “unity without bitterness” and cautioned against insults, intimidation and personal attacks.
According to him, the chairmanship contest should strengthen rather than weaken the NPP, warning that internal divisions could have consequences beyond the party’s elections.
He said the immediate objective of the alliance was to consolidate the NPP’s support base, rebuild confidence among members and strengthen the party ahead of the 2028 elections.
Mr Danso added that the broader ambition was to help position the NPP to regain political power in 2028 under the leadership of its flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
