Wontumi exits NPP chairmanship race
Decision Follows Consultations and Reflection
New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship aspirant Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s national chairmanship race. 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 had personally wanted, but said his current circumstances should not become an additional burden for the party 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.
Party’s Interest Above Personal Ambition
Chairman Wontumi said his long-standing relationship with the NPP had made the party more than a political organisation to him, describing it as his “family and home.” He explained that he could not allow his personal circumstances or political ambitions to distract the party from its preparations 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 decision comes as the former Ashanti Regional Chairman faces legal difficulties. Despite his circumstances, Wontumi maintained that he remains convinced of his innocence and expressed confidence that justice would ultimately prevail.
“I have not surrendered, and I will never surrender in the pursuit of truth and justice,” he said.
Appreciation to Supporters
The NPP stalwart expressed gratitude to supporters who backed his chairmanship campaign across the 16 regions. He mentioned campaign coordinators, constituency and regional executives, Members of Parliament, former government appointees, communicators, electoral area coordinators, polling station executives, youth and women’s groups, as well as supporters in the diaspora. According to Wontumi, many of his supporters made significant sacrifices during the campaign, with some enduring ridicule, intimidation and personal attacks because of their support for his candidacy. He said their commitment would remain a cherished part of his political journey.
Appeal for Unity Within NPP
Following his withdrawal, Chairman Wontumi appealed to his supporters to resist any attempts to turn his situation into a source of division 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 circumstances.
“If you truly love me, then remain loyal to the tradition I have spent my life serving,” he told his supporters.
His message was clear: the withdrawal should not translate into resentment or internal conflict, particularly at a time when the NPP is seeking to reorganise and strengthen its structures.
Call to Support Bawumia
Chairman Wontumi also called on his supporters to rally behind NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. He stressed that the party’s presidential candidate would require the backing of every constituency, polling station, communicator, young person and party member as the NPP works towards returning to power in 2028. He therefore urged party members to put aside bitterness, close ranks and build a united and disciplined party capable of supporting Dr Bawumia’s presidential bid.
“A Painful Pause,” Not Goodbye
Although he has stepped out of the chairmanship contest, Chairman Wontumi insisted that his withdrawal should not be interpreted as the end of his political journey. He described it as a “painful pause” in a larger story that he believes is still unfolding.
“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.
