New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship aspirant Bernard Antwi‑Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has formally withdrawn from the race, citing his personal circumstances and a desire not to weigh down the party.
In a statement dated Monday, August 24, Wontumi explained that the decision followed “many nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations” with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team, and close supporters. He acknowledged that while the choice was not his heart’s desire, he believed his situation should not become an added burden as the NPP works to rebuild after its electoral defeat. “Sometimes, true love requires us to release what we deeply want in order to protect what we love even more,” he noted.
Wontumi emphasised his long service to the party, describing it as his “family and home,” and stressed that he could not allow his personal challenges or political ambitions to distract the NPP from preparing for the 2028 elections. “I would rather carry this pain quietly than allow the party I love to suffer because of me,” he stated.
The former Ashanti Regional Chairman also expressed gratitude to his supporters across the 16 regions, including campaign coordinators, constituency and regional executives, Members of Parliament, former government appointees, communicators, electoral area coordinators, polling station executives, youth and women’s groups and diaspora supporters.
He acknowledged the sacrifices made by his supporters during his campaign, including those who, according to him, endured ridicule, intimidation and personal attacks because of their support for his candidacy.
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, however, appealed to his supporters not to allow his situation to create divisions within the NPP. He specifically urged them not to insult or attack anyone on his behalf, target other aspirants or abandon the party because of his circumstances. “If you truly love me, then remain loyal to the tradition I have spent my life serving,” he said.
Chairman Wontumi has urged his supporters to rally behind NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, stressing that the party’s presidential candidate will require the backing of every constituency, polling station, communicator, youth, and member to rebuild the party and restore it to power.
He called on the NPP to close ranks, set aside bitterness, and present Dr. Bawumia with a united and disciplined front ahead of the 2028 elections. “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 declared.
Describing his withdrawal as a “painful pause” rather than the end of his political journey, Wontumi emphasised: “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 concluded by urging his supporters to remain strong, united, and loyal to the NPP while maintaining their support for 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 affirmed.
Read the full statement below:
