New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship hopeful Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s upcoming national elections, bringing an end to his bid for the influential position just days after his campaign team picked nomination forms on his behalf.
Mr Antwi-Boasiako announced his decision in a statement dated August 24, 2026, explaining that the move followed extensive consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters. He said his decision was difficult but necessary, given his current circumstances and the need to prevent his personal situation from becoming an additional challenge for the NPP as the party works to 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.
According to him, although withdrawing from the contest was not what he had initially wanted, he believed it was in the best interest of the party. Mr Antwi-Boasiako said the NPP needed to concentrate on rebuilding its structures, strengthening its unity and preparing for future elections without being distracted by issues surrounding his personal circumstances.
“That is why I cannot allow my present situation or personal ambition to distract the party from the difficult work of rebuilding,” he said.
The announcement comes only days after the NPP began the process for its upcoming national executive elections, with Mr Antwi-Boasiako’s campaign team picking nomination forms for him on August 21, 2026.
The development had attracted considerable attention because the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman was already serving a 20-year prison sentence following his conviction on illegal mining-related charges. His legal team is challenging both the conviction and sentence.
Following the submission of his nomination forms, questions emerged over whether his incarceration would prevent him from participating in the electoral process. The NPP National Elections Committee subsequently clarified that the picking of nomination forms did not automatically qualify an aspirant to contest the election.
The committee explained that all aspirants would be required to go through the party’s established vetting process, with the Vetting Committee responsible for determining whether candidates met the requirements to contest. The clarification meant that Mr Antwi-Boasiako’s candidacy was not guaranteed despite his campaign team securing the nomination forms.
His subsequent withdrawal therefore brings his bid to an end before the vetting process could determine his eligibility. Despite stepping aside from the National Chairmanship race, Mr Antwi-Boasiako stressed that the decision should not be interpreted as an admission of defeat in his legal battle.
He maintained that he would continue to pursue what he described as truth and justice through the appropriate legal channels. “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. His comments indicate that while he has chosen to withdraw from the internal NPP contest, he intends to continue challenging the circumstances surrounding his conviction.
Mr Antwi-Boasiako also used the statement to appeal to his supporters to remain calm and avoid actions that could deepen divisions within the party. He cautioned his supporters against attacking other aspirants or party members because of his decision to withdraw.
“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.
The former chairmanship hopeful further urged his supporters to remain committed to the NPP despite his personal difficulties. His appeal comes at a critical period for the opposition party, which is preparing to elect new national executives as part of efforts to reposition itself following its 2024 electoral defeat.
The National Chairmanship position is one of the key positions in the NPP’s national leadership structure, with the holder expected to play an important role in coordinating the party’s political activities and strengthening its organisational structures. Mr Antwi-Boasiako’s withdrawal is therefore expected to reshape the contest and potentially influence the dynamics among the remaining aspirants.
Before his withdrawal, his candidacy had generated significant interest, particularly because of his political influence in the Ashanti Region and his longstanding association with the NPP. His decision also highlights the difficulties faced by political figures seeking to participate in party activities while dealing with ongoing legal proceedings.
For now, Mr Antwi-Boasiako has asked his supporters to put the interests of the party ahead of individual ambitions. His message was that his withdrawal should not be used as a basis for division, personal attacks or disengagement from the NPP.
As the party moves ahead with its national elections, attention will now shift to the remaining contenders for the National Chairmanship position and the broader process of rebuilding the NPP ahead of future elections.
While Mr Antwi-Boasiako will no longer be part of that contest, he has made clear that his withdrawal does not signal an end to his political commitment to the party or his legal fight over his conviction.
By: Philbert Amiba Ayuusah