New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship aspirant Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has pulled out of the party’s national chairmanship contest, saying his current circumstances should not become a burden on the party.
In a statement dated Monday, August 24, 2026, Mr Antwi-Boasiako said the decision followed several nights of prayer, reflection and consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and close supporters.
Although he admitted that withdrawing was not what he had wanted, he said he believed stepping aside was necessary to prevent his personal situation from distracting the NPP from its efforts to rebuild after its 2024 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 said.
The former Ashanti Regional Chairman said the NPP remained his political home and that his decision was motivated by his commitment to the party and its future.
“I would rather carry this pain quietly than allow the party I love to suffer because of me,” he stated.
Chairman Wontumi expressed appreciation to his supporters across all 16 regions for their commitment to his campaign.
He mentioned 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, as well as supporters in the diaspora.
He also acknowledged those who, he said, faced ridicule, intimidation and personal attacks because of their support for his bid.
Chairman Wontumi, who is currently facing legal challenges, maintained that he remains innocent and expressed confidence that the legal process would ultimately vindicate him.
“I have not surrendered, and I will never surrender in the pursuit of truth and justice,” he said.
The NPP chairmanship aspirant urged his supporters not to allow his withdrawal or personal circumstances to create divisions within the party.
He cautioned them against attacking other aspirants, insulting party members or abandoning the NPP because of his situation.
“If you truly love me, then remain loyal to the tradition I have spent my life serving,” he said.
He also asked his supporters to support NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the party prepares for the 2028 general elections.
According to him, rebuilding the party and returning it to power will require the collective effort of constituency executives, polling station officials, communicators, young people and other members.
He therefore urged party members to set aside bitterness, close their ranks and give Dr Bawumia the support needed to lead the NPP into the next election.
Chairman Wontumi described his withdrawal as a “painful pause” rather than the conclusion of his political career.
He said his current circumstances might prevent him from participating in the contest physically, but would not diminish his commitment to the party or his belief in his eventual vindication.
“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 said.
He ended his statement by encouraging his supporters to remain united and loyal to the NPP while continuing to support Dr Bawumia.
“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 added.
