Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the influential Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), has voiced strong opposition towards retired Commissioner of Police (COP) Nathan Kofi Boakye, also known as Commander One.
Wontumi’s anger comes as Boakye reenters the political stage in a prominent manner, allegedly aligning himself with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and escalating the pre-election atmosphere.
Wontumi, known for his aggressive political strategies, has accused Boakye of surreptitiously backing the NDC by training individuals to incite unrest leading up to the critical 2024 elections.
In a forceful address on his Wontumi Radio station, Wontumi demanded Boakye’s immediate arrest by citizens, alleging that the retired police chief is orchestrating a plot to undermine his authority in the Ashanti Region.
The trigger for Wontumi’s outrage seems to be Boakye’s involvement in foiling purported attempts by associates of Wontumi to disrupt the NDC’s ‘Enough is Enough’ demonstration in Kumasi. This demonstration, calling for a thorough audit of the voter registry, has emerged as a focal point in the political arena, with Boakye playing a key role in ensuring its success.
“If there is any disorder, Kofi Boakye will be held responsible! You pursued the position of IGP under an NPP administration, and now you are assisting NDC agents in fomenting turmoil. I am more powerful than you, Kofi Boakye, and I will ensure you face consequences!” Wontumi declared in a contentious radio interview.
The animosity between Wontumi and Boakye is not recent and dates back to a previous incident when Boakye, while still in active service, apprehended Wontumi—a resentment that has been festering for a long time. With Boakye now seemingly aligning himself with the NDC, Wontumi’s political supremacy in the Ashanti Region is increasingly in jeopardy.
Wontumi’s outspoken criticism and plea for action against Boakye have raised concerns about the escalating political tensions. With the December 2024 elections drawing near, the power struggle between these two influential figures has reached a critical point, jeopardizing Wontumi’s control over the Ashanti Region. The political environment in Ashanti is laden with tension, and this fierce rivalry is poised to shape the electoral battle in the ensuing months.
