Aspiring National Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has recounted his journey from student life through entrepreneurship and party activism, describing how he rose through the ranks of the party.
Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme, Wontumi said his political orientation was shaped by his upbringing in a family and community aligned with the tradition of the former United Party (UP).
According to him, he became involved in political activities at a young age and actively participated in the 1992 referendum campaign.
“Where we come from geographically, ethnically and socially, we are largely from the UP tradition. When I was young, I worked as a trotro mate on Saturdays. During the 1992 referendum, I used my father’s car to distribute campaign materials, so I have a fair idea of politics,” he said.
Wontumi said he attended Prempeh College, where he joined the cadet corps and rose to the rank of Warrant Officer Class One.
“I attended Prempeh College and completed school in 1996,” he stated.
After secondary school, he travelled to the United Kingdom, where he took up various jobs before returning to Ghana.
According to him, he started as a cleaner but was promoted to a supervisory role within two weeks. He later worked as a bouncer and bodyguard during his stay in the UK.
Upon his return to Ghana, Wontumi ventured into business, introducing products such as Sammy Young noodles and Big Power detergent onto the market. However, he said those ventures did not succeed.
“I was very focused. After that, I started a security company because I wanted to stay in Ghana and prove that you can still make it here,” he said.
He explained that the security company grew significantly, providing services to major institutions and employing thousands of people.
Wontumi said he later expanded into the mining sector, operating in Tarkwa and Prestea before becoming actively involved in partisan politics.
According to him, his first involvement with the NPP came through the provision of security services to the party, driven by his commitment to its ideals.
“I started as security in the party. I used to provide security services for the party because of the love I had for it,” he said.
He disclosed that his first elected position within the party was Constituency Chairman for Bosomtwe, a role he held for two terms.
“My first party position was Constituency Chairman for Bosomtwe for two terms. I was financing constituency, regional and even national activities,” he stated.
Wontumi said his contributions and defence of the party eventually convinced members that he was capable of taking on a bigger leadership role, leading to his election as Ashanti Regional Chairman.
He noted that his rise within the NPP was built on years of service, dedication and support for the party at various levels.
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