Ayew Afriye rallies NPP grassroots behind Wontumi ahead of national chair race

The Member of Parliament for Effiduasi–Asokore, Nana Ayew Afriye, has thrown his full weight behind Bernard Antwi Boasiako, urging New Patriotic Party (NPP) footsoldiers to deliver a resounding mandate for the Ashanti Regional Chairman in the party’s upcoming national executive elections.

Dr Ayew Afriye, who played a key role as Campaign Coordinator for Mahamudu Bawumia during the flagbearership race, argues that Chairman Wontumi’s political trajectory from constituency leadership to commanding the party’s strongest electoral region places him “far above the competition.”

According to him, the NPP’s path back to power in 2028 hinges not only elitists appeal but on reconnecting with its grassroots base an area he believes Wontumi dominates.

“He is grounded in grassroots politics. He understands the base, speaks their language, and can mobilise them like no other,” Dr Ayew Afriye asserted.

He further advanced a strategic argument: with Dr Bawumia already commanding an all-rounder likeability but significantly admired among the middle class, the party requires a chairman who can energise the rank and file at the base of the political pyramid.

“The flagbearer who appeals to all classes within the social strata but strongly and easily connects to the middle class. What we need now is a chairman who complements that strength by igniting the grassroots.

"Chairman Wontumi fits that role perfectly,” he said.

In a fiery and unapologetically candid remark, Dr Ayew Afriye linked the NPP’s 2024 electoral loss to disaffection among middle and upper-class voters, particularly over the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), which he said alienated key segments of the party’s traditional support base.

But looking ahead, he declared a shift in electoral dynamics.

“The election we are going into, mark it, it is for the grassroots.

"Even if it takes them voting for Jesus Christ, they will do so just to ensure victory for the NPP.

"Last time, the anger of the middle class cost us.

"This time, it will be the anger of the grassroots and that is the elites that will send the NDC into opposition.”

He did not mince words about the limitations of elite candidates in connecting with ordinary party members.

“As a medical doctor, I may not command that level of grassroots attention. Neither will some of the middle-class contenders.

"But let Wontumi speak to the people on the ground—and you will see the outcome,” he added.

Dr Ayew Afriye further posited that the NPPs victory will be a partnership between the middle class and the grassroots.

@verifiednewsghana LIVE: Nana Ayew Afriyie, MP for Effiduase-Asokore Constituency, rallies support for Chairman Wontumi during his Golden Jubilee celebration at the Greenwood Event Center, Asokwa. #VerifiedNewsGhana #VerifiedTV ♬ original sound - Verified News Ghana