Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako—commonly known as Chairman Wontumi—has accused President John Dramani Mahama of orchestrating a campaign of political persecution against him.
He claims that his businesses and financial resources have come under sustained attack since Mahama returned to office.
The outspoken regional chairman made the remarks following a failed raid by security operatives at his Paraku Estate residence on Friday, May 23. The attempted operation has intensified Wontumi’s claims of being unfairly targeted for his political affiliations.
“Am I not a Ghanaian anymore? Now that you’ve won the election and become President, does that mean I’m no longer a Ghanaian?” he asked during a media appearance, voicing his frustration and sense of exclusion under the current administration.
Calling for public action, Wontumi urged members of the NPP and ordinary Ghanaians to push back against what he described as systematic political oppression. “Ghanaians, rise! Arise, Ghanaians! All NPP supporters should rise. It is because of you that Mahama is treating me this way,” he declared.
He also rejected any notion that he had held powerful positions that would justify the level of scrutiny he claims to be facing, instead framing his role as purely political. “Was I ever a Vice President? Have I ever chaired a board? Have I ever been a CEO? Was I ever a minister?” he asked rhetorically. “I am only the chairman of a political party, and it is my duty to campaign for my party.”
Wontumi went further to allege that his financial hardships began during Mahama’s previous tenure and have only worsened since his return to power. “You collapsed my business back in 2013. Since you assumed office, you’ve halted all my operations. Even the bank account I rely on has been frozen,” he claimed, suggesting that the attacks on his livelihood are part of a deliberate effort to silence or weaken him.
The allegations have sparked sharp political debate, with supporters rallying behind Wontumi while others call for a full investigation into the incident and his claims.
