Former Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, has sparked political debate after publicly calling on New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to withdraw from the race for the NPP National Chairmanship if reports about his plea negotiation in the EXIM Bank case are true.
In a Facebook post that has since attracted reactions from party supporters and political observers, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah expressed concern over what he described as the possible criminalization of the party’s image should its national chairman continue to battle legal challenges while leading the opposition party into the next elections.
“We can’t be talking about our Chairman’s convictions when he is supposed to lead us to get power. Not good for brand NPP,” he wrote.
Kofi Ofosu Nkansah stated that although Chairman Wontumi remains a personal friend with whom he interacts frequently, the broader interest of the NPP must take precedence over personal relationships.
According to him, if Chairman Wontumi has indeed admitted guilt in the ongoing EXIM Bank case and opted for a plea bargain arrangement, stepping aside from the chairmanship race would be the most appropriate course of action.
“If Chairman Wontumi has admitted guilt in the EXIM case and is going for plea bargain, then respectfully, he should withdraw from the NPP chairmanship race and focus on his legal battles,” he stated.
Nkansah also questioned the rationale behind a plea negotiation if the matter was simply related to repayment of a loan.
“It is a loan you took which you can pay back, so why go for plea bargain?” he added, suggesting that the circumstances surrounding the matter raise broader political and reputational concerns for the opposition party.
Kofi Ofosu Nkansah is a known figure within the NPP and previously served as Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) after his appointment by former President Nana Akufo-Addo in 2022. Before that, he served as Managing Director of the Accra Digital Centre and has remained an outspoken political commentator on governance and party matters.
His comments come at a time when reports indicate that Chairman Wontumi is pursuing plea negotiations in relation to a GH¢30 million EXIM Bank case, a development that has generated significant discussion within political circles and among party faithful.
While Chairman Wontumi is yet to publicly respond directly to Kofi Ofosu Nkansah’s comments, the issue is expected to intensify conversations within the NPP regarding leadership, party image, and preparedness ahead of future electoral contests.