Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, is campaigning to become the National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana, aiming to address the historical absence of an Ashanti Region representative in the party's top leadership. The NPP, heavily reliant on the Ashanti Region for electoral support since 1992, has never had a National Chairman from that region. Wontumi, the current Ashanti Regional Chairman, announced his candidacy on May 5, 2025, advocating for the region's due representation at the highest level of party leadership.

Since its formation, the NPP has been led by eight National Chairmen, none from the Ashanti Region. These leaders have hailed from various regions, including Greater Accra, Central, Western, Bono, and Upper East. This historical pattern underscores a significant under-representation, given the Ashanti Region's critical role in securing NPP victories in past elections. Speaking on Wontumi Radio on May 15, 2025, Wontumi emphasized the need for an Ashanti to hold the National Chairman position, stating that it's time for a change.

Wontumi, who has served as Ashanti Regional Chairman since 2014, highlights his deep connection to the party's base and substantial financial contributions, including a claimed GH¢1 billion donation for the 2015 Tamale Congress, as evidence of his dedication. He views himself as a unifying figure capable of leveraging the Ashanti Region’s resources and loyalty to help the NPP regain power in the 2028 elections, following their defeat to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in 2024.

However, Wontumi's path to the national chairmanship is challenging. His tenure as Ashanti Regional Chairman has faced criticism, with some blaming him for the NPP's underperformance in the Ashanti Region during the 2024 elections, citing displays of wealth, involvement in mining controversies, and internal disputes. The revocation of his company Akonta Mining Limited’s license and allegations of illegal mining have also drawn scrutiny. Wontumi believes these actions are politically motivated by the NDC to undermine his chairmanship bid.

Despite these challenges, Wontumi faces potential competition within the NPP, though no other candidates have officially declared. His efforts to mediate between party members may improve his image, but previous tensions and his support for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia could complicate his appeal to all party factions. His chances depend on mobilizing Ashanti Region delegates and persuading the broader party of his leadership capabilities. Wontumi’s grassroots popularity, media presence through Wontumi Radio/TV, and financial resources are notable advantages.

Analysts suggest the historical absence of an Ashanti chairman might reflect a strategy to balance regional representation, potentially working against Wontumi. As the NPP prepares for its national officers’ election in 2026, the question remains: why has the Ashanti Region, despite its electoral importance, never produced an NPP National Chairman? Some attribute it to the party’s historical roots in the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC) and Progress Party, which drew leaders from coastal and northern Akan elites. Others argue that the Ashanti Region exerts influence through other roles, reducing the perceived need for a national chairman.

Ultimately, Wontumi’s campaign will test whether the NPP is ready to break this historical pattern. His success hinges on overcoming controversies, unifying the party, and convincing delegates that an Ashanti chairman is essential for the NPP’s resurgence. The NPP's Ashanti chairmanship gap remains a significant narrative in Ghana’s political landscape.