Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has disclosed that although he successfully completed his secondary education at Prempeh College, he does not have his certificate.
The revelation came during an address to party faithfuls as part of his campaign for the position of NPP National Chairman. Wontumi, who is seeking to lead the party at the national level, used the occasion to assert that leadership capacity should not be measured solely by academic credentials or fluency in English.
According to the NPP chairman, his inability to produce a certificate from Prempeh College has not diminished his ability to deliver results in political leadership. He shared a personal anecdote about a past election in which he contested against a former deputy minister and was invited to a live radio debate in English.
Recounting the experience, Wontumi explained that he initially declined the invitation due to concerns about his proficiency in the English language, particularly when facing an opponent who was a lawyer. However, he was persuaded to participate after being advised that absence could negatively affect his campaign.
“You cannot judge me simply because I cannot speak English,” he told the gathering. He stressed that leadership is defined by the ability to achieve results and inspire confidence, rather than by academic qualifications or language proficiency.
Wontumi’s remarks have drawn attention as he positions himself as a candidate for the national chairmanship of the NPP. His campaign has focused on his track record as Ashanti Regional Chairman and his capacity to unify the party base.
The NPP is expected to hold its national delegates’ conference later this year to elect new leadership. Wontumi is considered one of the prominent contenders in the race.
Attempts to obtain comment from Prempeh College regarding the status of Wontumi’s certificate were not immediately available.
