Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced his withdrawal from the New Patriotic Party’s national chairmanship race.
Wontumi explained his decision in a statement dated August 24, 2026.
He said he reached the decision after praying, reflecting and consulting his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters.
“After many nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations with my family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters, I have come to the difficult conclusion that my present circumstances must not become an additional burden on the New Patriotic Party,” he said.
The former Ashanti Regional Chairman said withdrawing was not what he wanted. However, he did not want his personal situation to distract the NPP as it rebuilds after losing the 2024 general election.
“This is not the decision my heart desired, but sometimes, true love requires us to release what we deeply want in order to protect what we love even more,” he said.
Wontumi is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence following his conviction on charges linked to illegal mining. His legal team is challenging the conviction and sentence.
His campaign team had collected nomination forms for him on August 21, despite his imprisonment.
The NPP later explained that collecting the forms did not automatically qualify him to contest. The party’s Vetting Committee would have decided his eligibility.
Wontumi urged his supporters not to attack other candidates or create division within the party because of his withdrawal.
He also asked them to support the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, as the party prepares for the 2028 elections.
Wontumi insisted that his withdrawal should not be seen as surrender, saying he would continue his fight for justice.
The Chairman of the NPP National Elections Committee later said the committee had not received a formal withdrawal notice. He explained that candidates must officially notify the committee instead of relying only on public statements.
