New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship aspirant Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s national chairmanship race.
In a statement dated Monday, August 24, 2026, Mr Boasiako 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.
He explained that although the decision was not what he wanted, he did not want his personal circumstances to become an additional burden for the NPP as the party seeks to rebuild after 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,” the statement said.
Chairman Wontumi, who is currently incarcerated, said his political ambition should not distract the party from preparing for the 2028 elections.
“That is why I cannot allow my present situation or personal ambition to distract the party from the difficult work of rebuilding. I cannot ask the party to carry my weight when it is already carrying the pain of defeat and the enormous responsibility of preparing for the battle ahead. I would rather carry this pain quietly than allow the party I love to suffer because of me”, he added.
He thanked his supporters across the country for their backing during his campaign, including campaign coordinators, constituency and regional executives, Members of Parliament, former government appointees, communicators, polling station executives, youth and women’s groups and supporters in the diaspora.
Despite withdrawing from the contest, Mr Boasiako maintained that he remains convinced of his innocence in the legal matters confronting him and expressed confidence that justice would eventually prevail.
He also appealed to his supporters not to allow his situation to create divisions within the NPP.
He specifically urged them not to attack other aspirants, insult anyone on his behalf or abandon the party because of his withdrawal.
Chairman Wontumi further called on his supporters to rally behind the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
He said Dr Bawumia would require the support of party members across constituencies, polling stations and other structures as the NPP seeks to rebuild and return to power in 2028.
He urged the party to close its ranks, put aside bitterness and provide Dr Bawumia with a united and disciplined party.