NPP to beg Mahama over Wontumi’s derogatory comments – Dr. Ayew Afriyie

Senior members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) are reportedly preparing to formally apologise to President John Dramani Mahama on behalf of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

The move, confirmed by Effiduase Asokore MP Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, follows growing concerns within the NPP over comments made by Chairman Wontumi about President Mahama, which many have described as offensive and derogatory.

Wontumi is currently under investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for suspected financial misconduct, including money laundering and fraud, in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.

He was arrested on May 27 as part of an ongoing probe into these allegations.

Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai has hinted that the case may be connected to a broader international organised crime network.

Meanwhile, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) is said to be compiling an independent docket on the matter, separate from EOCO and CID investigations.

Following Wontumi’s arrest, some NPP members raised concerns over the severity of his bail conditions, describing them as politically motivated. The arrest also sparked public protests and significant pressure from within the party.

He was later released on bail and is required to report regularly to EOCO while investigations continue.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, June 10, Dr. Ayew Afriyie stressed the need for reconciliation.

He disclosed that efforts were underway within the party to make amends with the former president.

He explained that Wontumi’s conduct in several videos crossed the line, and the party is ready to take responsibility.

Dr. Ayew Afriyie stated, “For Chairman Wontumi’s case, we’re going to beg. The hand behind this is bigger than the people who run the EOCO and the intelligence agencies. I will put it at the doorstep of President Mahama. Wontumi went overboard in some of his videos. And I played a lot of them to show him on June 9. I told him we will go and beg, if we have to kneel down in front of President Mahama, and we will tell him that for these videos, he [Wontumi] crossed the line.”