The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has rendered an unqualified apology to President John Dramani Mahama over past comments made against him during the 2024 general election campaign.
According to Chairman Wontumi, the intense political competition during the election period contributed to the use of strong and sometimes offensive language, which he believes should not be repeated now that President Mahama is the sitting Head of State.
“In 2024, President Mahama was just a candidate and we were all fighting for power, so some of the words used against him in 2024 cannot be repeated again,” Chairman Wontumi said in an interview with journalists.
He stressed that despite political differences, the office of the President must be respected at all times. Chairman Wontumi noted that if he gets the opportunity to meet President Mahama, he would accord him the utmost respect.
“Should I meet President John Dramani Mahama today, I will first recognise him as the President of Ghana and accord him the utmost respect,” he stated.
Chairman Wontumi further expressed his belief that President Mahama would not contest the 2028 general elections and appealed to him to continue Ghana’s democratic tradition of peaceful transfer of power.
“I am aware that President Mahama will not seek re-election in the 2028 general elections. Therefore, I will humbly appeal to him that, just as former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo handed over power to him in 2025, he should also hand over power to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in 2029,” he stated.
He also cited Ghana’s democratic history as a strong example of smooth political transitions, highlighting past transfers of power between successive administrations.
“Former President Jerry John Rawlings handed over power to former President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2001 following the 2000 general elections. President Kufuor subsequently transferred power to the late President John Evans Atta Mills, whose tenure was later succeeded by President John Dramani Mahama. Power was then handed over from Mahama to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who in turn transferred power back to Mahama in 2025. This sequence reflects the democratic path Ghana has consistently followed.” Chairman Wontumi said.
Chairman Wontumi concluded by offering a direct apology to President Mahama for his previous remarks.
“I sincerely wish to render an unqualified apology to President John Dramani Mahama for any abusive and offensive remarks I made against him previously. I deeply regret those statements,” he added.
His comments come amid ongoing political discourse following the 2024 elections, as political actors continue to call for unity and respect for democratic governance in Ghana.
