Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely recognized as Chairman Wontumi and a contender for the National Chairmanship of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has officially withdrawn from the race. He cited his current personal circumstances and a commitment to not becoming a burden to the party as key factors in his decision.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 24, 2026, Chairman Wontumi revealed that his choice followed “many nights of prayer, sober reflection, and consultations” with various stakeholders, including family members, legal advisors, party elders, his campaign team, and trusted supporters.
Although he expressed that this decision was not one he had hoped to make, he emphasized that he could not allow his personal issues to detract from the NPP’s efforts to rebuild following its recent electoral defeat. “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 stated.
Chairman Wontumi, who has been a longstanding member of the NPP, described the party as his family and home. He underscored the importance of maintaining focus on the upcoming 2028 elections, asserting that he would prefer to bear his personal pain quietly rather than allow it to hinder the party’s progress.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters from all 16 regions, acknowledging the sacrifices they made during his campaign. He recognized the challenges they faced, including ridicule, intimidation, and personal attacks, as a testament to their loyalty.
Despite facing legal challenges, Chairman Wontumi maintained his belief in his innocence and expressed confidence that justice would ultimately prevail. “I have not surrendered, and I will never surrender in the pursuit of truth and justice,” he affirmed.
He urged his supporters to refrain from allowing his situation to sow division within the party, specifically requesting that they avoid insults or attacks directed at others on his behalf, and cautioned against abandoning the NPP due to his circumstances. “If you truly love me, then remain loyal to the tradition I have spent my life serving,” he implored.
Furthermore, Chairman Wontumi called upon his supporters to unite behind the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. He emphasized the necessity of collective support from every constituency, polling station, and party member to help rebuild the party and regain power.
He urged the NPP to unify, set aside any bitterness, and present Dr. Bawumia with a cohesive and disciplined organization as the 2028 elections approach. “My present circumstances may prevent me from standing before you physically, but they cannot imprison my love for the NPP. They cannot imprison my faith. They cannot imprison the truth. And they can never imprison the will of God,” he asserted.
Chairman Wontumi characterized his withdrawal from the race as a “painful pause” rather than a definitive end to his political aspirations. “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 remarked.
He concluded his statement by encouraging his supporters to remain resilient, united, and committed to the NPP while continuing their support for Dr. Bawumia. “My body may be confined today, but my heart remains with you. 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.
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