The campaign team for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has issued a strong condemnation of what they term a surge of insults and personal attacks circulating on social media platforms. The statement, released on May 18th, 2026, specifically cited videos on TikTok allegedly created by a user named “Boya” that target members of Wontumi’s campaign management team, urging for a return to decorum in the ongoing New Patriotic Party (NPP) internal campaign activities.
Context of Internal Party Politics
As the NPP navigates its internal election cycle to select national leadership, the party’s democratic processes are often accompanied by robust campaigning. These campaigns involve candidates and their teams vying for the support of delegates through various means, including public appearances, rallies, and digital outreach. The current period is crucial for party unity as it prepares for future general elections.
Chairman Wontumi, currently serving as the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, is seeking to elevate his position to the national chairmanship. His campaign, like others, is engaging in efforts to persuade party delegates of his suitability for the role. This involves highlighting his vision, competence, and ability to lead the party effectively.
Allegations of Unwarranted Attacks
The Wontumi campaign’s statement detailed their concern over specific online content. “The attention of team Wontumi has been drawn to a series of unfortunate videos circulating on TikTok by a lady known as ‘Boya,’ in which several respected members of our campaign management team… have been subjected to unwarranted insults and personal attacks,” the statement read.
The campaign team suggested that the online activities and perceived affiliations of the individual responsible for the videos indicated a clear political leaning towards a rival candidate. They stated that the individual’s preferred chairmanship candidate was “not difficult for objective observers to determine.”
Commitment to Issue-Based Campaigning
In response to these alleged attacks, Team Wontumi reiterated its commitment to a specific campaign strategy. “It is still early days in this internal campaign season, and Team Wontumi remains firmly committed to a campaign based on ideas, vision, competence, and Party unity, not insults, intimidation, or needless character assassination,” the statement emphasized.
The campaign is advocating for a focus on substantive issues, the candidates’ qualifications, and the overall unity of the NPP. This approach aims to foster a more constructive and respectful electoral environment within the party.
Call for Restraint and Unity
The statement urged both the general public and NPP faithful to dismiss the content of the controversial videos. “We therefore urge the general public and Party faithful to disregard the contents of these unfortunate videos and reject attempts to introduce hostility and division into our internal democratic processes,” they implored.
Furthermore, Team Wontumi extended a call to rival campaign groups, requesting that they manage their supporters’ conduct. The campaign warned that continued personal attacks could jeopardize the party’s cohesion, particularly in the lead-up to the 2028 general elections. “We cannot afford to destroy one another today and expect to build a united front tomorrow,” the statement cautioned.
Broader Support and Future Outlook
Reaffirming its campaign’s foundation, the Wontumi team described itself as a broad-based movement. They highlighted their support from various factions within the party, framing it as a reflection of inclusion and reconciliation. “Our team remains focused, resolute, and fully committed to engaging delegates respectfully and democratically as we continue our quest to convince the overwhelming majority of delegates to support the candidacy of Chairman Wontumi,” the statement concluded.
The implications of such internal disputes within a major political party can be significant. A tone of animosity can alienate voters and damage the party’s public image. Conversely, a campaign focused on policy and unity can strengthen its standing. As the NPP’s internal elections progress, observers will be watching to see if other campaigns adopt a similar stance on decorum and issue-based discourse, and how effectively the party can maintain internal harmony ahead of crucial national elections.
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