Oheneba Nana Asiedu, an aide to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has issued a stern warning regarding Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate selection for the upcoming 2024 elections. Asiedu, who also hosts Wontumi TV’s Morning Show, emphasized that choosing a particular candidate could jeopardize the peace and unity within the NPP fraternity in the region.
According to Asiedu, the unnamed candidate has been a divisive figure, negatively impacting the relationship dynamics between Wontumi and several key party members. He specifically mentioned that due to Dr. Bawumia’s campaign, the once amicable relationship between Wontumi and Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Agyapong, as well as Alan Kyerematen, the flagbearer of the Movement for Change, has deteriorated significantly.
“Alan never had a problem with John Kumah, but he refused to greet Wontumi during the funeral. Look at the kind of beautiful relationship he had with Kennedy Agyapong. Because of Dr. Bawumia’s campaign, now the relationship has broken down, and Wontumi’s days are numbered,” Asiedu passionately expressed during his Wontumi Morning show.
Asiedu went on to issue a chilling warning, stating, “I am saying that the very day that particular person’s name is mentioned as the running mate, there will be no peace in this region.” He further emphasized his personal stance on the matter, saying, ” So, there are a lot of issues. I have made my decision that, among all the potential names listed as running mates, there is one particular individual I don’t support because I think he is not a good choice.”
Asiedu’s comments have sparked intense speculation within the NPP and the wider political landscape of Ghana. The identity of the controversial potential running mate remains undisclosed, but Asiedu’s strong words suggest that the individual’s selection could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s unity and the political atmosphere in the Ashanti Region.
As the 2024 elections draw closer, the NPP faces the critical task of selecting a running mate who can unite the party and garner widespread support. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, a key contender for the NPP’s flagbearer position, must carefully consider the implications of his choice and the potential ripple effects it could have on the party’s cohesion and electoral prospects.
Some prominent members of the NPP have emerged as potential running mates to Dr. Bawumia, including Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe constituency and Minister of Education; Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo), Member of Parliament for Manhyia South constituency and Minister for Energy; and Chief of Staff Akosua Frema Osei Opare. However, Asiedu’s cryptic remarks suggest that one of these individuals may be the source of the brewing discontent within the party.
As the NPP navigates this delicate situation, it remains to be seen how Vice President Bawumia will respond to Asiedu’s warning and whether the party can find a running mate who can bridge the widening gaps and restore unity among its ranks. The eyes of the nation will be on the NPP as it makes this important decision, which could shape the outcome of the 2024 elections and the future of Ghanaian politics.
