The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to uphold Ghana’s tradition of peaceful power transitions to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in 2029.
In an interview with journalists, Chairman Wontumi referenced historical precedents, saying, “Former President Jerry John Rawlings handed over power to former President John Agyekum Kuffuor 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.”
He further expressed confidence that President Mahama will not contest the 2028 elections, adding, “ “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 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.
He did not hesitate to offer an apology for past remarks, saying, “I want to render an unqualified apology to President John Dramani Mahama for any abusive or offensive statements that may have been directed at him previously. Politics should not destroy the respect we owe our leaders.”
Wontumi’s remarks underline the NPP’s call for a peaceful political environment as Ghana looks ahead to the 2028 general elections and beyond.
