New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairman hopeful Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s upcoming national elections.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 current incarceration.
In a statement dated August 24, 2026, Mr Antwi-Boasiako said he arrived at the difficult decision after consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters.
He explained that although he had a strong desire to continue with his chairmanship bid, his current circumstances had made him reconsider his decision.
“There are moments in the life of a man when the heart wants to continue, but duty demands sacrifice.”
Wontumi said he did not want his personal situation to become an additional burden on the NPP at a time when the party was already dealing with the aftermath of its electoral defeat and preparing for the future.
According to him, withdrawing from the race was not an indication that he had abandoned his commitment to the party.
“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 further maintained that he remains confident that justice will eventually prevail, saying, “I remain innocent in my heart and firm in my belief that, in God’s appointed time, justice will prevail.”
Reflecting on his years of service to the NPP, Wontumi said the party had become more than a political organisation to him.
“The NPP is not merely a political party to me. It is my family. It is my home, and it is a cause to which I have dedicated a significant part of my life.”
He also expressed gratitude to supporters who had stood by him throughout his campaign, acknowledging their messages, prayers and sacrifices.
Wontumi’s withdrawal brings an end, for now, to his bid for the NPP National Chairmanship, while leaving open the possibility of his continued involvement in the party’s political activities after his current legal challenges are resolved.
