The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has opened up about his difficult childhood before becoming a businessman and politician.

According to him, he started working at a young age and engaged in different businesses to support himself.

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Speaking on Asempa FM on June 8, 2026, about his early years, Wontumi said he sold akpeteshie during his primary school days and later worked as a trotro mate while in junior high school.

“I worked as a bus conductor (trotro mate) while I was in Junior High School. During my primary school years, I sold akpeteshie (local gin),” he said.

He also disclosed that after gaining admission to Prempeh College, he used his vacation periods to engage in trading activities.

“When I gained admission to Prempeh College, I used my vacation periods to trade in machetes and mirrors,” he stated.

Wontumi explained that he travelled to Togo to sell the items and make money before returning to school.

“I would travel to Togo to sell these items and make money. So, while some of my colleagues spent their vacations resting or studying, I was engaged in business. The items sold well, and by the time school resumed, I had earned a huge amount of money from the trade,” he added.

Wontumi, who is now a politician, owns several businesses, including Akonta Mining and a number of media enterprises.

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Meanwhile, he is also contesting for the position of National Chairman of the party, where he is expected to face strong competition from figures such as former Minister of State, Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko.



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