Wontumi Withdraws from NPP Chairmanship Race

New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship hopeful Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced his withdrawal from the party’s chairmanship race, saying he does not want his personal circumstances to become an additional burden on the party.

In an emotional message dated August 24, 2026, addressed to his supporters, Mr Boasiako said the decision followed several nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters.

“There are moments in the life of a man when the heart wants to continue, but duty demands sacrifice,” he said.

He explained that although his heart wanted to continue the race, he had concluded that stepping aside was necessary to protect the NPP at a time when the party was already dealing with the pain of electoral defeat and preparing for the next political battle.

“I cannot ask the party to carry my weight when it is already carrying the pain of defeat and the enormous responsibility of preparing for the battle ahead,” he stated.

Chairman Wontumi also expressed gratitude to his supporters across the 16 regions, acknowledging the sacrifices they had made during his campaign.

He urged them not to abandon the NPP or attack other aspirants because of his withdrawal, stressing that his decision should not create division within the party.

The development comes weeks after an Accra High Court convicted Mr Boasiako and sentenced him to 20 years’ imprisonment with hard labour over illegal mining-related offences linked to the Samreboi concession in the Western Region. The court found him guilty of six counts, including facilitating unlicensed mining activities.

He is currently serving the sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison while pursuing an appeal. His application for bail pending appeal has been adjourned to October 15, 2026.

Wontumi, however, described his decision as a “painful” moment rather than the end of his political journey, signalling that he remains committed to the party and its cause.

Read the full statement from Chairman Wontumi.