New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship aspirant Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s national chairmanship race, citing his current circumstances and a desire not to become a burden to the party.
In a statement dated Monday, August 24, 2026, the former Ashanti Regional Chairman said he arrived at the decision after several nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters.
Chairman Wontumi admitted that the decision was not what he wanted but said he had concluded that his personal circumstances should not become an additional burden for the NPP as it seeks to rebuild following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
“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.
He said the NPP had been his family and home for many years and that he could not allow his personal situation or political ambition to distract the party from its preparations for the 2028 elections.
“I would rather carry this pain quietly than allow the party I love to suffer because of me,” he stated.
Thanks supporters
Chairman Wontumi expressed gratitude to his supporters across all 16 regions, including campaign coordinators, constituency and regional executives, Members of Parliament, former government appointees, party communicators, electoral area coordinators, polling station executives, youth and women’s groups and diaspora supporters.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by members of his campaign, including those who he said endured ridicule, intimidation and personal attacks because of their support for his candidacy.
The NPP stalwart, who is currently facing legal difficulties, maintained that he remains convinced of his innocence and expressed confidence that justice would eventually prevail.
“I have not surrendered, and I will never surrender in the pursuit of truth and justice,” he said.
Urges supporters to avoid attacks
Chairman Wontumi also appealed to his supporters not to allow his situation to create divisions within the NPP.
He specifically urged them not to insult or attack anyone on his behalf, target other chairmanship aspirants or abandon the party because of his circumstances.
“If you truly love me, then remain loyal to the tradition I have spent my life serving,” he said.
He further called on his supporters to rally behind NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, stressing that the party’s presidential candidate would require the support of every constituency, polling station, communicator, young person and party member to rebuild the party and return it to power.
Chairman Wontumi urged the NPP to close its ranks, put aside bitterness and present a united and disciplined front ahead of the 2028 general elections.
‘This is not goodbye’
Despite withdrawing from the chairmanship contest, Chairman Wontumi described the decision as a “painful pause” rather than the end of his political journey.
“This is not goodbye. It is not the end of the journey. It is only a painful pause in a much greater story that God Himself is still writing,” he said.
He added that although his present circumstances might prevent him from physically participating in party activities, his commitment to the NPP remained intact.
“My body may be confined today, but my heart remains with you.”
Chairman Wontumi concluded by urging his supporters to remain strong, united and loyal to the NPP while supporting Dr Bawumia’s leadership as the party prepares for the 2028 elections.
“And if it is the will of God, we shall meet again; not in sorrow, but in joy; not in defeat, but in victory,” he added.
