Divided House: “Bring Ken Back” Vs “Free Wontumi Now” Chants Erupt After 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review

Proceedings in Parliament turned heated today as Majority and Minority Members of Parliament traded chants moments after Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson presented the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review.

In a rare display of partisan rivalry on the floor, Minority MPs rose in unison chanting “Free Wontumi Now”, in apparent reference to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi.

Majority MPs responded almost immediately with counter-chants of “Bring Ken Back”, in an apparent call for the return of former Finance Minister and Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, to the front bench.

The chants briefly disrupted parliamentary decorum as the Speaker called for order. The exchanges followed Dr. Forson’s presentation, which outlined government’s fiscal performance for the first half of 2026 and revised targets for the rest of the year.

While the Finance Minister’s statement focused on revenue mobilization, expenditure controls, and new social intervention measures, the post-presentation atmosphere was dominated by the dueling slogans.

The “Free Wontumi Now” chants from the Minority come amid ongoing public commentary on legal and political developments involving the Ashanti Regional Chairman. The Majority’s “Bring Ken Back” chants appeared to reference internal party dynamics and calls from some NDC MPs for the former minister’s economic expertise.

Neither side of the House elaborated on the chants during the session. The Speaker subsequently moved the House to adjourn debate on the statement to a later date.

Political analysts say the incident underscores deepening partisan tensions ahead of the 2026 general elections, with economic management and high-profile political figures becoming rallying points on the floor.

Parliament resumes sitting tomorrow to begin debate on the Mid-Year Review.

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