Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), appears to be gripped by fear following the reemergence of retired Commissioner of Police (COP) Nathan Kofi Boakye, also known as Commander One, in the political scene. Wontumi, who is usually known for his uncouth and aggressive political schemes, has been making unusually defensive and alarmed statements, indicating a profound sense of unease.
The trigger for Wontumi’s apprehension seems to be Kofi Boakye’s involvement in political events that suggest he is aligning with the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), exacerbating tensions in the pre-election atmosphere. This alignment has caught Wontumi and assigns of the NPP off guard and appears to have sent shivers down thier spines.
In a fervent address on his Wontumi Radio station, Wontumi launched a scathing attack on Boakye, accusing the retired police commissioner of covertly supporting the NDC by training individuals to incite unrest leading up to the crucial 2024 elections. His demand for Boakye’s immediate arrest by citizens comes across as a desperate attempt to regain control in light of Boakye’s ever-growing influence in the region’s politico-security space
“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 what many interpret as a sign of his increasing desperation.
The catalyst for Wontumi’s heightened anxiety appears to be Boakye’s role in thwarting alleged attempts by Wontumi’s associates to disrupt the NDC’s ‘Enough is Enough’ demonstration in Kumasi. This protest, which calls for a forensic audit of the voter registry, has become a focal point in the political arena, with Boakye allegedly playing a pivotal role in its success, further amplifying Wontumi’s fears.
The animosity between Wontumi and Boakye dates back years, specifically to an incident when Boakye, still in active service, arrested Wontumi on assault charges. This event has long been a source of resentment for Wontumi, exacerbated by Boakye’s earlier warnings in 2016 for Wontumi to stop inciting regional tension or face arrest. Boakye had then criticized Wontumi for falsely accusing others and interfering with police investigations—charges that deeply embarrassed the NPP chairman.
With Boakye now seemingly aligning himself with the NDC, Wontumi’s political supremacy in the Ashanti Region appears significantly threatened. His estrangement from power seems increasingly likely, as evidenced by his recent statements, which many interpret as surprisingly cowardly for a leader known for his bravado.
Wontumi’s outspoken criticism and plea for action against Boakye have raised alarms about escalating political tensions in the Ashanti Region. As the December 2024 elections approach, the stakes are higher than ever, with this fierce rivalry casting a significant shadow over the political landscape, making the Ashanti Region a battleground to watch closely as Wontumi’s “monopoly of violence’ is seemingly threatened.