Freddy Blay pledges unflinching support for Chairman Wontumi in private meeting

Former National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Freddy Blay, has thrown his weight behind the Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, in what sources describe as a significant show of solidarity within the ruling party’s internal dynamics.

The endorsement came to light following a private meeting held at Mr. Blay’s residence, where the two seasoned politicians deliberated on party affairs, grassroots mobilization, and the strategic direction of the NPP in the Ashanti Region—the party’s traditional electoral stronghold.

According to insiders close to the meeting, Mr. Blay lauded Chairman Wontumi’s campaign team for their tireless efforts, organizational acumen, and ability to maintain the party’s vibrant support base in the region. Describing his endorsement as “sincere and unreserved,” the former national chairman assured Wontumi of his unwavering support “every step of the way.”

“I have watched the work you and your team are doing, and I must say it is commendable,” Mr. Blay was quoted as saying. “Your commitment to the party’s grassroots structures and your ability to rally our faithful is exactly what the NPP needs. This is not a casual endorsement—it is a sincere one, and I will stand with you every step of the way.”

The meeting, though private, has sparked widespread discussion among party faithful, with many interpreting Blay’s gesture as a strategic alignment ahead of upcoming internal elections or broader political contests. Chairman Wontumi, a firebrand and influential figure in Ashanti Region politics, has often been at the center of both praise and controversy for his no-holds-barred style of leadership.

Mr. Blay, who served as National Chairman from 2018 to 2022 and remains a respected elder in the party, is known for his consensus-building approach. His public endorsement—even through a private meeting that later became known—carries significant weight, particularly in a party where regional chairs play a pivotal role in electioneering campaigns.

Responding to the development, Chairman Wontumi expressed profound gratitude to Mr. Blay, describing him as a father figure and a pillar of the NPP. “To have a man of his stature and experience pledge such confidence in me is deeply moving. I do not take this support lightly. Together, we shall work tirelessly for the progress of our great party and the nation,” Wontumi said in a brief statement.

Political analysts suggest the meeting underscores ongoing efforts to consolidate leadership structures within the NPP, especially as the party prepares for future electoral challenges. While no official announcement has been made regarding any formal role for Wontumi beyond his current position, the Blay endorsement is widely seen as a boost to his influence within the party’s hierarchy.

Neither Mr. Blay’s office nor Chairman Wontumi has released an official communiqué on the meeting, but party insiders expect further engagements between the two leaders in the coming weeks.