The political landscape in the Ashanti Region, a long-standing bastion of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been shaken by the recent 'Enough is Enough' demonstration led by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on September 17, 2024.

The protest, part of a nationwide movement addressing dissatisfaction with the Electoral Commission, has ignited controversy and raised concerns about the NPP's grip on power in the region.

Despite Ashanti being an NPP stronghold, the demonstration drew significant attention, reflecting a growing discontent with the ruling party.

Reports suggest that NPP Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is facing a decline in popularity, adding to the party’s concerns ahead of the December 7 general elections.

Chairman Wontumi has publicly targeted retired Commissioner of Police (COP) Mr Nathan Kofi Boakye, accusing him of collaborating with the NDC to disrupt the elections.

Wontumi has claimed that Boakye is advising NDC members on security tactics, potentially inciting violence during the polls.

These allegations, though unproven, have escalated tensions in the region.

Wontumi has gone as far as to suggest that Mr Boakye could be placed under house arrest, accusing the retired COP of training NDC loyalists to interfere with the NPP’s campaign efforts.

The NPP's aggressive rhetoric signals the high stakes involved as the party seeks to maintain its dominance in Ashanti, which has traditionally delivered decisive electoral victories for the NPP.

The animosity between Chairman Wontumi and Kofi Boakye dates back to 2016, when Mr Boakye, then the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, oversaw Wontumi’s arrest for allegedly assaulting NPP members during a voter registration exercise.

This incident, coupled with warnings issued by Mr Boakye to Wontumi in the run-up to the 2016 elections about spreading false information, has fueled a longstanding feud between the two figures.

Wontumi's accusations against Mr Boakye seem to be part of a broader strategy to consolidate the NPP’s control over the region amidst mounting electoral pressure.

The 'Enough is Enough' protest in Kumasi saw violent confrontations between NDC protestors and individuals alleged to be NPP-affiliated vigilantes.

Eyewitnesses reported that some vigilantes, dressed in police and military attire, attempted to intimidate demonstrators, raising fears of escalating political violence as the election approaches.

Despite these provocations, NDC supporters remained resolute, calling for transparency and accountability from the Electoral Commission.

The party has raised concerns over discrepancies in the voter register, which they believe could undermine the integrity of the upcoming elections.

The Ashanti Region has become a focal point in Ghana's 2024 election, representing the deep political divide in the country.

As the NPP fights to retain its stronghold, the NDC is making efforts to regain influence in a region critical to securing national power.

The outcome of this political showdown in Ashanti is likely to have far-reaching implications for the future of Ghana’s democratic processes.

The NPP’s strategies, particularly those employed by Chairman Wontumi, will be under intense scrutiny as the December elections draw nearer.

With tensions running high, the Ashanti Region’s role in determining the trajectory of Ghana’s political future cannot be overstated.

As both parties prepare for the polls, the region remains a battleground where the fight for legitimacy and governance will play out in the weeks to come.