Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced his withdrawal from the New Patriotic Party’s national chairmanship contest.
Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced his withdrawal from the New Patriotic Party’s national chairmanship contest.
In a letter dated August 2 and signed by his Director of Communications, Ewuradjoa Coleman, Wontumi explained that ongoing legal challenges and a desire not to weigh down the party ahead of the 2028 elections influenced his decision.
He described the move as one of the most difficult sacrifices of his political career, noting that he could not allow personal ambition to derail the NPP’s preparations for the future.
The former Ashanti Regional Chairman is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted under the Minerals and Mining Act alongside his company, Akonta Mining Limited.
Despite his incarceration, his campaign team had remained active, even picking up nomination forms on his behalf.
Until recently, his camp insisted that the conviction did not end his quest to lead the party.
However, Wontumi revealed that after nights of prayer, reflection, and consultations with family, legal advisers, party elders, and loyal supporters, he resolved to step aside.
In his message, he expressed deep gratitude to supporters across all 16 regions, including MPs, constituency executives, regional coordinators, and diaspora members.
He acknowledged the ridicule and intimidation many endured for backing his candidacy and urged them not to let his situation create divisions within the NPP.
Instead, he appealed for unity and called on his followers to rally behind flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, stressing that rebuilding the party and reclaiming power would require collective effort from every member.
Meanwhile, the party’s electoral committee has yet to formally confirm his withdrawal.
Frederick Opare Ansah, Chair of the NPP’s National Executives Elections Committee, told Adom News that the committee had not received official communication from Wontumi or his campaign team, and had only seen reports circulating online.
The development comes just days before the nomination deadline on Thursday, with vetting of national officer aspirants scheduled between August 31 and September 3.
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