New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship hopeful Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s upcoming national elections.
His decision comes just days after his campaign team picked nomination forms on his behalf, despite his incarceration following his conviction in an illegal mining-related case.
In a statement dated August 24, 2026, Mr Antwi-Boasiako said he decided to step aside after extensive consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters.
He explained that his current circumstances could become a distraction to the NPP as the party works 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 Antwi-Boasiako said although the decision was difficult and contrary to his personal wishes, he believed it was necessary to protect the party’s rebuilding process from being overshadowed by his situation.
“That is why I cannot allow my present situation or personal ambition to distract the party from the difficult work of rebuilding,” he added.
His withdrawal follows the August 21 decision by his campaign team to obtain nomination forms for him to contest the chairmanship position.
The move had raised questions about his eligibility, particularly because he is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence following his conviction on illegal mining-related charges.
The NPP National Elections Committee subsequently clarified that the collection of nomination forms did not constitute automatic clearance to contest, stressing that the party’s Vetting Committee would determine the eligibility of all aspirants.
Mr Antwi-Boasiako’s legal team is challenging his conviction and sentence.
Despite withdrawing from the contest, the former chairmanship hopeful insisted 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.
He also urged his supporters to remain calm and avoid actions that could deepen divisions within the NPP.
“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 said.
Mr Antwi-Boasiako’s withdrawal is expected to reshape the contest for the NPP’s national chairmanship as the party prepares to elect new national executives.
