The Normal Directorate of Public Relations of the Wontumi camp has criticized the assertion allegedly made by presidential staffer Rosemond Obeng concerning the authorized problems with New Patriotic Social gathering (NPP) Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly generally known as Chairman Wontumi.
In response to a press assertion launched on Saturday, Could 16, revealed by UTV Ghana, the remarks instructed that “no critical political celebration would enable a litigious particular person to contest the chairmanship election.”
The camp referred to as the feedback politically immature and accused Obeng of missing a historic understanding of management, democracy and the sacrifices that include political wrestle.
In response, the Directorate highlighted a variety of historic examples at dwelling and overseas to display that authorized challenges don’t disqualify leaders from public workplace.
The newspaper cited Dr. Kwame Nkrumah of Osagifo, Ghana’s first president, who was imprisoned by colonial authorities in 1950 through the Constructive Motion Motion.
Whereas imprisoned, his Nationwide Congress Folks’s Social gathering gained the 1951 election and he was finally launched and appointed chief of presidency enterprise and later Prime Minister of the Gold Coast.
The assertion additionally talked about Airman Jerry John Rawlings, a founding father of the NDC custom, who was court-martialed and imprisoned in Could 1979 for an tried riot. Mr. Rawlings was later exonerated and have become head of state and constitutional president of Ghana in 1993.
Even throughout the present NDC authorities, distinguished figures equivalent to Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who was acquitted in a high-profile ambulance procurement scandal in July 2024, and NDC Normal Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kweti, who has confronted political scrutiny up to now, are cited as examples of leaders who’ve overcome authorized and political challenges to attain strategic positions.
The Wontumi Marketing campaign additional cited worldwide examples to refute Obeng’s claims. Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail earlier than changing into South Africa’s president and changing into a world image of management and reconciliation.
Former US President Donald Trump remained politically influential regardless of going through a number of legal costs in 2023 and 2024, whereas former South African President Thabo Mbeki endured years of political persecution underneath apartheid and emerged as a nationwide chief.
Biblical figures had been additionally cited, together with Joseph who was imprisoned earlier than changing into prime minister in Egypt, David who was persecuted earlier than ascending the throne, and Jesus Christ who confronted false accusations earlier than his trial at Pontius Pilate.
“Historical past, politics, and the Bible all assist an plain reality: Trials don’t destroy nice leaders. They typically put together them for better accountability,” the marketing campaign mentioned.
The Directorate Normal of Public Relations pressured that Wontumi’s ongoing authorized points don’t disqualify him from management. Quite, they spotlight the depth of political resistance confronted by influential actors inside Ghana’s democratic house.
The assertion emphasised that management is constructed on sacrifice, resilience, perseverance, strategic considering and braveness underneath stress.
Chairman Wontumi will stay dedicated to restructuring and strengthening the NPP forward of the 2028 elections and supporting Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to grow to be Ghana’s subsequent president.
The camp criticized Obeng for making statements that “missing deep historic, political and mental consideration” and mentioned political historical past is formed by individuals who endure adversity, not by those that ridicule leaders throughout tough occasions.
