Chairman Wontumi Scheming To Pitch Andy Appiah-Kubi Against COKA for Ashanti NPP Chairmanship
Reports emerging Wednesday morning suggest that the incumbent Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi is actively scheming to influence the succession race for his current position.
Despite public signals that he may not seek re-election, sources close to the Chairman reveal he is deeply invested in handpicking his successor.
To this end, Wontumi is allegedly lobbying former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife to sponsor Andy Appiah-Kubi, the former MP for Asante Akyem North and Wontumi’s personal lawyer, for the regional chairmanship.
Strategic Rivalry:
If this plan reaches fruition, Appiah-Kubi would be positioned as the primary challenger to Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA), who is currently widely regarded as the frontrunner for the seat.
However, the move is not without controversy.
Insiders point to several hurdles:
Political Loyalty:
Appiah-Kubi was a vocal supporter of Bryan Acheampong during the recent flagbearer elections.
The “Defection” Narrative:
To bridge the gap with the Vice President’s camp, Wontumi has reportedly claimed that Appiah-Kubi “silently defected” to support Dr. Bawumia on the eve of the internal elections.
Skepticism at the Top:
While the former Vice President and the former Second Lady initially expressed doubts regarding this sudden shift in loyalty, sources suggest Wontumi’s persistent lobbying may be starting to sway them.
Rising “COKA” Momentum:
While Wontumi maneuvers behind the scenes, Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA) continues to see a groundswell of grassroots support across the Ashanti Region.
The former five term Afigya Kwabre South Constituency Chairman has maintained a highly visible and intentional campaign, characterized by:
Humanitarian Outreach:
Frequent outdoor activities and charitable initiatives that have bolstered his popularity.
Stakeholder Engagement:
A strategic effort to court opinion leaders, heads of institutions, and media houses.
Broad Appeal:
From the heart of Greater Kumasi to the outlying constituencies, COKA has successfully positioned himself as the candidate of choice for those seeking a new direction for the party in its “World Bank.”
As the internal contest approaches, the tension between Wontumi’s tactical maneuvering and COKA’s organic momentum looks set to define the future of the NPP in the Ashanti Region.
