New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship aspirant Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s upcoming national elections, just days after his campaign team picked nomination forms on his behalf.
In a statement dated August 24, 2026, Mr Antwi-Boasiako said he reached the decision after extensive consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters.
“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.
He acknowledged that the decision was difficult and not what he had initially wanted, but said it was necessary to prevent his personal circumstances from distracting the NPP from its efforts to rebuild following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
“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 withdrawal comes three days after Mr Antwi-Boasiako’s campaign team picked nomination forms for him on August 21, 2026, for the NPP National Chairmanship contest, despite his incarceration.
The NPP National Elections Committee subsequently clarified that the picking of nomination forms did not amount to automatic clearance to contest, explaining that the party’s Vetting Committee would determine the eligibility of all aspirants.
Mr Antwi-Boasiako is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence following his conviction on illegal mining-related charges. His legal team is challenging both the conviction and sentence.
Despite withdrawing from the chairmanship race, Mr Antwi-Boasiako stressed that his decision should not be interpreted as an abandonment of his legal battle.
“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 reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing justice while urging party supporters to remain focused on the NPP’s broader rebuilding efforts.
