Political scientist, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over its reported plans to apologise to President John Dramani Mahama for offensive remarks made by the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Reacting to the development on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey on Thursday, June 12, Dr. Asah-Asante questioned the timing and sincerity of the apology. He argued that the NPP failed to condemn Wontumi’s actions when they occurred, and only appear moved to act now that Mahama has returned to power following the 2024 elections.
Dr. Asah-Asante also questioned whether Chairman Wontumi himself had shown any willingness to apologise or whether party members were acting on his behalf without his input.
READ: Korle Bu Burns Centre in Crisis as Nurses’ Strike Deepens Pain of Patients
He stated, “I was surprised because if you look at the insult hurl at Mahama, his families, Professor Jane Naana, the vice president, and I was so surprised that is how our politics has turned into. Let me ask Dr. Afryie, why have they found it necessary now to go and apologize? Is it the case that Wontumi is going through what he’s going through, that is why they are going there? Because one would have thought that if they meant well, if what they are saying, they believe in that 2024, they would have come out to condemn Wontumi in that respect, they all kept quiet, allow it to slide with a hope that they will maintain power forever.”
Dr. Asah-Asante added, “But events have taken a new trend and the person that the abuse, the person that they hope will not have power, Ghanaians have fought for him. Mahama never spoke about this. But the people of this country have spoken for Mahama, that in spite of all the invectives used against you, in spite of everything, come, we give you power. Ghanaians have given him power. So what is Dr. Afriyie telling us? He and his team, they should shy away from that.”
“You have abused him, I’m not talking about Dr. Afriyie who has abused him. But Wontumi has abused him? Mahama and all that. And now we are at this level. Why the need for apology? I concede that we are human beings. We can make mistakes and when we do, we should be able to have the courage to speak. They are doing something it for Wontumi, are they his spokesmen? What about he himself? Has he also expressed that desire to apologize? And why now?”
READ: Mahama assures GNAT of renewed commitment to teachers’ welfare
Ahead of the 2024 general elections, Chairman Wontumi made a series of derogatory comments about Mr. Mahama, many of which went viral on social media.
The remarks were widely condemned by the public and even some within the NPP, who described them as inappropriate and inflammatory.
Member of Parliament for Effiduase-Asokore, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, disclosed on Channel One TV on Tuesday, June 10, that some senior members of the NPP are quietly working to issue an apology to the President.
Dr. Afriyie explained that the move is not merely about political optics but reflects a genuine effort to demonstrate humility and maturity within the party.
READ: NCA orders 62 broadcasting stations to suspend operations over licensing violations
He further suggested that ongoing legal pressures on Chairman Wontumi could be politically motivated, prompting internal discussions within the party.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
