New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship aspirant Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s national chairmanship race, citing his current circumstances and a desire not to become a burden to the party.
In a statement dated Monday, August 24, Chairman Wontumi said he arrived at the decision after “many nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations” with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters.
He acknowledged that the decision was not what he wanted but said he had concluded that his personal circumstances should not become an additional challenge for the NPP as it seeks to rebuild following its defeat.
“This is not the decision my heart desired, but sometimes, true love requires us to release what we deeply want in order to protect what we love even more,” he said.
Chairman Wontumi said he had served the NPP for many years and regarded the party as his family and home.
He explained that he could not allow his personal situation or political ambitions to distract the party from its preparations for the 2028 general elections.
“I would rather carry this pain quietly than allow the party I love to suffer because of me,” he stated.
Thanks supporters
The former Ashanti Regional Chairman expressed gratitude to his supporters across Ghana’s 16 regions for their commitment to his campaign.
He specifically acknowledged campaign coordinators, constituency and regional executives, Members of Parliament, former government appointees, party communicators, electoral area coordinators, polling station executives, youth and women’s groups, as well as supporters in the diaspora.
Chairman Wontumi also recognised those who, he said, endured ridicule, intimidation and personal attacks because of their support for his candidacy.
Maintains innocence
Chairman Wontumi, who is currently facing legal difficulties, maintained that he remains convinced of his innocence and expressed confidence that justice would eventually prevail.
“I have not surrendered, and I will never surrender in the pursuit of truth and justice,” he said.
He nevertheless appealed to his supporters not to allow his circumstances to create divisions within the NPP.
He urged them not to insult or attack anyone on his behalf, target other chairmanship aspirants or abandon the party because of his withdrawal.
“If you truly love me, then remain loyal to the tradition I have spent my life serving,” he said.
Calls for support for Bawumia
Chairman Wontumi also called on his supporters to rally behind NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the party prepares for the 2028 elections.
He stressed that rebuilding the party would require the support of every constituency, polling station executive, communicator, young person and party member.
He urged the NPP to close ranks, put aside bitterness and provide Dr Bawumia with a united and disciplined party capable of returning to power.
“My present circumstances may prevent me from standing before you physically, but they cannot imprison my love for the NPP. They cannot imprison my faith. They cannot imprison the truth. And they can never imprison the will of God,” he said.
Chairman Wontumi described his withdrawal as a “painful pause” rather than the end of his political journey.
“This is not goodbye. It is not the end of the journey. It is only a painful pause in a much greater story that God Himself is still writing,” he said.
He concluded by urging his supporters to remain strong, united and loyal to the NPP while continuing to support Dr Bawumia.
“My body may be confined today, but my heart remains with you. And if it is the will of God, we shall meet again; not in sorrow, but in joy; not in defeat, but in victory,” he added.
