Ashanti Traders Raise Concerns Over Bawumia Flagbearership Bid

Some disgruntled traders and business operators across the Ashanti Region have raised concerns about the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) flagbearership bid of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, citing allegations involving his wife, Samira Bawumia, the former Second Lady.

The traders, drawn from major markets including Suame, Bantama, Kejetia, Kronom and Asawase, held a press conference in Kumasi on Monday, January 26, 2026, to express their dissatisfaction and caution party delegates ahead of the presidential primaries.

According to the traders, their concerns stem from the demolition of residential buildings belonging to Mr. George Oti Bonsu, a native of the Ashanti Region and a known financier of the NPP. The affected structures—said to be about ten houses—were reportedly located on a one-acre parcel of land at Adjiriganor, a plush suburb of Accra.

Supporters of Mr. Bonsu allege that the demolition took place during the period when Dr. Bawumia was Vice President and Samira Bawumia served as Second Lady. They further claim that the former Second Lady used her influence to supervise or facilitate the demolition, an allegation which has not been independently verified.

Following the demolition, Mr. Bonsu is said to have made several appeals to government authorities and party leadership for redress, including calls for the reconstruction of the demolished properties or compensation. According to the traders, these appeals have so far gone unanswered, leading to growing frustration among party supporters and business operators.

Convener of the group, Mohammed Issah Ababio, deputy Chief Imam in Asunafo South District of the Ahafo region, told journalists that the unresolved issue has generated widespread discontent among traders and businesspeople who have traditionally supported the NPP.

He alleged that the former Second Lady used her influence against a party member and urged party delegates to consider the conduct and character of candidates and their associates ahead of the primaries.

Some of the traders warned that continued dissatisfaction could affect grassroots support for the party and indicated they may abstain from voting in the 2028 general elections if Dr. Bawumia is elected as the party’s flagbearer.

The development adds to rising political tension in the Ashanti Region, a key stronghold of the NPP, where grassroots sentiment is widely regarded as critical to the party’s electoral fortunes.