New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship hopeful Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s upcoming national elections, days after his campaign team picked nomination forms on his behalf.
Mr Boasiako announced his decision in a statement dated August 24, 2026, explaining that it followed extensive consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters.
According to him, the decision was difficult but necessary to prevent his personal circumstances from becoming a distraction to the party as it seeks to reorganise and rebuild following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
“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.
Mr Boasiako acknowledged that stepping aside was not the outcome he had hoped for, but said his commitment to the broader interests of the NPP required him to put the party’s rebuilding efforts ahead of his personal political ambitions.
“That is why I cannot allow my present situation or personal ambition to distract the party from the difficult work of rebuilding,” he stated.
The withdrawal comes just three days after Mr Boasiako’s campaign team picked nomination forms for him to contest the NPP National Chairmanship position.
The forms were obtained on August 21, 2026, despite the fact that the former Ashanti Regional Chairman is currently incarcerated.
Following the development, the NPP National Elections Committee clarified that the collection of nomination forms did not automatically qualify an aspirant to contest the election.
The committee explained that all aspirants would be subject to the party’s established vetting process, with the Vetting Committee mandated to determine their eligibility to contest.
Mr Boasiako’s decision to withdraw therefore brings to an end his attempt to participate in the chairmanship race at this stage, amid ongoing legal proceedings concerning his conviction.
Mr Boasiako is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted on illegal mining-related charges. His legal team is challenging both the conviction and sentence.
While announcing his withdrawal from the NPP contest, he stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as an abandonment of his legal fight.
“Please do not see this decision as surrender. I have not surrendered, and I will never surrender in the pursuit of truth and justice,” he said.
His remarks suggest that although he has chosen to step away from the internal party contest, he intends to continue pursuing legal avenues to challenge his conviction.
Mr Boasiako also used the statement to urge his supporters to remain committed to the NPP and avoid actions that could deepen divisions within the opposition party.
He specifically cautioned his supporters against attacking or insulting other aspirants in his name, stressing that his withdrawal should not become a source of conflict within the party.
“Do not insult anyone in my name. Do not attack any aspirant because of me. Do not abandon the party because Wontumi is passing through a difficult season,” he appealed.
His call comes at a time when the NPP is preparing for its national elections, which are expected to produce a new crop of national executives to lead the party’s organisational and political activities ahead of future electoral contests.
By withdrawing, Mr Boasiako has effectively placed his political ambitions on hold while directing his supporters to maintain their allegiance to the party and respect the internal electoral process.
By 1960news.com
