Senior researcher at the Kumasi Technical University (KTU), Dr. Smart Sarpong has opined that as it stands, the Ashanti regional Chairman of the NPP, Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, is the only mover and shaker of the NPP.
Speaking in an interview with Kwame Sefa Kayi on Peace FM, Dr. Smart explained that prior to the 2016 and 200 elections, the although the party had many influential personalities, there were only four among the lot who were exceptional including the then President candidate and running mate, Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia respectively; Ashanti regional Chairman, Chairman wontumi; Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong.
However, currently among the four personalities, Chairman wontumi is the only who is still able to play that influential role for the party within the political landscape.
“I’m only isolating these people because they played a vital role in 2016 and 2020. First was Nana Addo- whenever he said a word, it became News that sparks discussion. The next was Dr. Bawumia, the very moment he addresses Ghanaians, the opposition party chases him; the third strong pillar was Chairman Wontumi, whenever he spoke, it became a topic that moves the entire political space along with him and last was Kennedy Agyapong”, he said.
Adding that but today Nana Addo is almost done with her service to Ghanaians and with the kind of pressure on him now, he doesn’t have the energy for the battlefield. Kennedy Agyapong could have served as a strong pillar but today he has a Presidential ambition and therefore must moderate the way he steps onto the field like he use to do likewise the Vice President too. Therefore, the only person that goes with the movement spirit is Chairman Wontumi.
Noting that it is for this reason that Chairman Wontumi was the mover and shaker of the party’s campaign in Assin North prior to the by-election, although a lot of the party personalities had also thronged the constituency. “Even the regional and constituency chairman were not noticed like the Ashanti regional Chairman”, he said.