Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and a contender for the National Chairmanship of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has decided to withdraw from the forthcoming national elections of the party, just days after his campaign team submitted nomination forms on his behalf.
In a statement issued on August 24, 2026, Mr. Boasiako explained that this decision was made following discussions with his family, legal advisors, party elders, campaign team, and trusted supporters.
“After many nights of prayer, deep reflection, and consultations with my family, legal team, party elders, campaign team, and trusted supporters, I have reached the challenging conclusion that my current circumstances should not add to the burdens of the New Patriotic Party,” he stated.
He emphasized that this decision was not his preferred choice but was essential to ensure that his personal situation does not divert the party’s focus from its efforts to recover after its defeat in the 2024 elections.
“That is why I cannot permit my current situation or personal aspirations to distract the party from the arduous task of rebuilding,” he remarked.
This announcement follows the action taken by Mr. Boasiako’s campaign team on August 21, 2026, when they collected nomination forms for him to contest the NPP National Chairmanship, despite his imprisonment.
The NPP National Elections Committee later clarified that the collection of nomination forms does not guarantee automatic eligibility to contest, as the Vetting Committee is responsible for assessing the qualifications of candidates.
Mr. Boasiako is presently serving a 20-year prison sentence due to his conviction on charges related to illegal mining, while his legal team is actively appealing the conviction and sentence.
In his statement, he asserted that his choice to withdraw should not be seen as an act of capitulation, reaffirming his dedication to pursuing justice.
“Please do not interpret this decision as surrender. I have not surrendered, and I will never surrender in the quest for truth and justice,” he declared.
He also appealed to his supporters not to allow his situation to create divisions within the NPP or trigger attacks against other aspirants.
“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 added.
