The Communication Directorate of the campaign team of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has strongly defended his decision to contest for the National Chairmanship of the New Patriotic Party despite ongoing legal challenges.

In a statement issued by the campaign team, the Directorate responded to remarks allegedly made by presidential staffer Rosemond Obeng, describing her comments as “reckless” and lacking historical perspective on political leadership and democracy.

The statement argued that throughout history, several prominent political leaders faced imprisonment, persecution, or court trials before eventually rising to positions of national leadership.

As part of its defense, the campaign referenced Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, noting that he was imprisoned during the colonial era but later led the country to independence after his party’s victory in the 1951 elections.

The campaign also cited the example of former President Jerry John Rawlings, who was arrested and court-martialed following the 1979 uprising but later became Head of State and subsequently constitutional President of Ghana.

According to the statement, the existence of court cases should not automatically disqualify individuals from seeking political office, especially in democratic systems where due process and the presumption of innocence remain fundamental principles.

The Directorate further pointed to current and former members of the opposition National Democratic Congress who have faced legal scrutiny in the past but continued to hold influential positions in government and party leadership.

The campaign maintained that Chairman Wontumi remains committed to the vision and growth of the NPP and insisted that leadership should be judged by competence, dedication, and political contribution rather than ongoing allegations or legal disputes.

The statement forms part of the intensifying political debate ahead of the NPP’s internal national executive elections, where Chairman Wontumi is seeking to become the party’s National Chairman.