Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has pledged to reunite the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), saying he would personally engage former presidential aspirant Kennedy Agyapong and strengthen ties with the party’s grassroots and diaspora if elected national chairman.

Wontumi made the remarks during a virtual engagement with the NPP’s Asia and Pacific Caucus as part of his campaign for the party’s top national executive position.

The national chairman hopeful said he was prepared to lead the NPP through its rebuilding process following its defeat in the 2024 general election.

“I am built for this battle, and I am fully prepared for the challenge of leading our party back to power,” he said.

“I am ready to serve as National Chairman. My focus is to unite our party, energise our grassroots, and lead the NPP back to victory.”

He said rebuilding the party would require a stronger relationship between the national chairman and the party’s presidential candidate.

“The relationship between the Flagbearer and the National Chairman must be one of trust, respect, and unity. That partnership is essential to our success and must never be compromised,” he said.

Addressing recent internal divisions, Wontumi said party discipline should be maintained but should also be balanced with reconciliation.

“The party must remain disciplined. We cannot allow blackmail or undue pressure to dictate our decisions,” he said.

“The punishment imposed has served its purpose. It is time to look at the bigger picture and work towards reconciliation where possible.”

He also disclosed plans to engage Kennedy Agyapong, who is facing disciplinary proceedings over recent public comments.

“I will personally find an opportunity to engage Kennedy Agyapong because dialogue and unity are important for the future of our party,” he said.

Wontumi acknowledged what he described as past failures to adequately engage the party’s grassroots supporters and overseas branches.

“One of the mistakes we made was not engaging our grassroots and our brothers and sisters in the diaspora as effectively as we should have,” he said.

“We failed to listen to their concerns and fully harness their ideas and contributions. That must change.”

He described the party’s external branches as strategic partners in fundraising, policy advocacy and voter mobilisation ahead of the 2028 elections.

Wontumi also proposed reviewing the NPP’s internal electoral system, saying consultations would be held on whether a broader membership base should be allowed to elect party executives.

Members of the Asia-Pacific Caucus pledged to support the party’s rebuilding efforts and strengthen mobilisation among Ghanaians living abroad ahead of the 2028 general election.