Dr. Fokuo, a lecturer at Kumasi Technical University, has described the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as the strongest among all aspirants vying for the party’s National Chairmanship position.
Quoting the saying, “the strongest soldier always gets the hardest fight,” Dr. Fokuo argued that Chairman Wontumi’s political strength and grassroots influence position him as the best candidate to help the NPP reclaim power in the 2028 general elections.
Speaking on the Wontumi Morning Show with host Oheneba Nana Asiedu, Dr. Fokuo stated that Chairman Wontumi is the only figure capable of effectively complementing the party’s flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, to secure victory in 2028.
He stressed that the 2028 general election will be highly unpredictable and far from easy, warning that gentleness and complacency will not return the NPP to power. According to him, the party needs a National Chairman who is bold, battle-ready, and prepared to work tirelessly on the ground, rather than one who merely issues directives from an office.
Dr. Fokuo further noted that even if the party believes Chairman Wontumi can help win the 2028 election and later decides to remove him from office, it should still take the risk now in the interest of electoral victory.
Drawing lessons from British political history, he cited former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and his deputy, John Prescott, a former railway worker.
He explained that although Blair’s choice was heavily criticized at the time, Prescott’s grassroots strength played a crucial role in the government’s success.
Dr. Fokuo likened this to Chairman Wontumi’s situation, stating that while many may speak against him, the party should allow him to prove his worth.
He concluded that winning the 2028 election is non-negotiable for the NPP, urging party delegates to choose a National Chairman who will actively campaign, mobilize the base, and fight vigorously for victory on the ground rather than remain passive.