The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has stated that although he completed secondary school, he does not possess a certificate.

The NPP chairman, who is currently contesting for the national chairman position of the party, stated that his limited proficiency in the English language will not hinder his ability to lead the party and restore it to power in the 2028 general elections.

Speaking to party faithfuls during a programme, Wontumi drew on his past experiences to encourage supporters to have confidence in his leadership.

Narrating his journey, he said, “I was going to contest the Ashanti Regional Chairman position against former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s deputy minister. If you look at someone who has been an MP for 16 years and compare that to me, who had served as a constituency chairman twice, you would think it was impossible.

“One day, I was invited by a radio station to debate Hon Osei Prempeh, whom I was contesting, in English. This was the toughest election I had ever contested. I had finished Prempeh College, but my certificate is still there. I don’t have it and how can I debate him in English.”

Galamsey: Wontumi could face conviction if he fails to explain allegations – Deputy AG

Wontumi continued to say that; “On the day of the debate, the host called me several times but I declined. I asked myself, how could I, without a certificate, debate a lawyer?

“The host insisted that if I didn’t show up, it would go against me. But I told him that while he had his perspective, I knew I could do the job. You cannot judge me simply because I cannot speak English.”

Chairman Wontumi emphasised that leadership is not defined by academic qualifications or language fluency but by the ability to deliver results and inspire confidence in followers.



AM/AE

Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe on Ghana's past, present and the road ahead