Former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the race for National Chairman of the party, describing the decision as a painful sacrifice made to avoid burdening the party as it rebuilds after its 2024 electoral defeat.
In a statement signed on his behalf by Ewuradjoa Coleman, Director of Communications and Media for his campaign, the former Ashanti Regional Chairman said the choice followed “many 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…today, I find myself at such a painful moment,” the statement began.
Wontumi, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after an Accra High Court convicted him in July 2026 on charges related to illegal mining activities at the Samreboi concession in the Western Region, emphasised that his present circumstances must not become “an additional burden on the New Patriotic Party.”
His legal team is challenging both the conviction and the sentence, with a bail application pending.
His campaign team had picked nomination forms on his behalf on August 21 despite his incarceration.
The national elections are scheduled for October 3, 2026. Other aspirants who picked forms for the National Chairman position include former National Chairman Paul Afoko, former General Secretary John Boadu, former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko and Sammy Crabbe.
Wontumi however insisted the withdrawal should not be seen as surrender.
“I have not surrendered, and I will never surrender in the pursuit of truth and justice. I remain innocent in my heart and firm in my belief that, in God’s appointed time, justice will prevail,” he stated.
He appealed directly to his supporters across the country not to allow anger or disappointment over his situation to weaken their loyalty to the NPP or to attack other aspirants. “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 urged.
Above all, he called on party members to stand firmly behind the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate and current leader, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. “Dr Bawumia needs our prayers, loyalty and total support.
He cannot rebuild this party alone,” Wontumi said, adding that the party must close ranks, put aside bitterness and present a united front for the battles ahead.
Describing the NPP as his “family” and “home,” he termed the decision as an act of love for the party rather than a permanent exit from politics.
“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,” the statement concluded.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
