No Stepping Down for Wontumi

ASARE BEDIAKO, a top contender for the Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) chairman position, has denied reports that President Akufo-Addo has ordered him to opt out from the race.

According to him, it is never true that the President ordered him to relinquish his ambition so that his opponent, Bernard Antwi Boasiako aka ‘Wontumi’, the incumbent chairman, would go unopposed.

Mr. Bediako therefore entreated his supporters in all the 47 constituencies in the Ashanti region to disregard media reports that he is out of the party’s upcoming polls, slated for April 24, this year.

He stated categorically that he is still contesting for the top party position and God willing, he would amass majority of the votes so that he can properly manage the ruling political party to retain power in 2020.

Wild Rumour

There have been rumours that President Akufo-Addo during the Easter festivities held a meeting with Mr. Bediako in the Eastern Region, where the President ordered the NPP kingpin to quit the NPP chairmanship race.

According to the wild speculations, the President told Mr. Bediako in plain language that he (Nana Akufo-Addo) supports Wontumi’s candidature so it is in the interest of Mr. Bediako to stop contesting him (Wontumi).

Bediako Speaks

Reacting to the rumours on Nhyira FM, M. Bediako said “I heard reports that President Akufo-Addo had ordered me to stop contesting for the Ashanti Regional NPP chairman position over the weekend and I ignored it.

“The rumours started over the weekend and some radio stations also used it as a news item on their networks and that is when I decided to come out and clear the air. Nana Addo has not told me to quit so I am in the race”.

Intense Pressure

Mr. Bediako disclosed that the wild reports that he had decided not to contest for the top party position, following an alleged order by President Akufo-Addo, has brought nightmarish moments for him and his family.

According to him, staunch NPP members from all over the 47 constituencies in the region, have been calling and begging him not to kowtow to any external pressure and rather contest so he can save the party from poor management.

By: Kwadwo Essel/ thePublisher