National Chairman aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has acknowledged that the party did not engage its grassroots supporters and members in the diaspora as effectively as it should have.

Speaking during a strategic engagement with the Asia and Pacific Caucus of the NPP's external branches on June 10, 2026, Wontumi said the party must learn from its past shortcomings as it rebuilds ahead of the 2028 general elections.

"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."

The meeting brought together NPP executives, members and supporters from across Asia and the Pacific to discuss strengthening the party's external structures, increasing diaspora participation and aligning the branches with the party's preparations for the 2028 elections.

Wontumi told the caucus that the party's external branches should not be viewed solely as fundraising units but as strategic partners in policy development, advocacy and voter mobilisation.

He also stressed the importance of unity within the party's leadership.

"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.

The National Chairman hopeful declared his readiness to lead the party.

"I am built for this battle, and I am fully prepared for the challenge of leading our Party back to power," he stated.

"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."

On internal party discipline, Wontumi said while the NPP must remain firm, it should also pursue reconciliation.

"The party must remain disciplined. We cannot allow blackmail or undue pressure to dictate our decisions. The punishment imposed has served its purpose. It is time to look at the bigger picture and work towards reconciliation where possible," he said.

He also disclosed that he intends to engage former NPP flagbearer aspirant Kennedy Agyapong.

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

Members of the Asia-Pacific Caucus described the engagement as timely and pledged to work with the party leadership to strengthen the NPP's external branches ahead of the 2028 elections.