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New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship hopeful Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has pulled out of the party’s upcoming national elections, just days after his campaign team secured nomination forms on his behalf.
In a statement dated August 24, 2026, Mr Boasiako said he decided to withdraw after extensive consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign members and close supporters.
He explained that, although the decision was difficult, he believed his current circumstances should not place an additional burden on the NPP as the party works to rebuild following its defeat in the 2024 general elections.
“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 to the New Patriotic Party,” he said.
Mr Boasiako said he did not take the decision willingly but considered it necessary to prevent his personal situation and political ambitions from distracting the party from its rebuilding efforts.
“That is why I cannot allow my present situation or personal ambition to distract the party from the difficult work of rebuilding,” he added.
His withdrawal comes three days after his campaign team picked nomination forms for him on August 21 to enable him contest the NPP National Chairmanship election.
The development had generated attention because Mr Boasiako is currently incarcerated.
Following the submission of the forms, the NPP National Elections Committee clarified that the collection of nomination forms did not constitute automatic clearance to contest the election.
The party explained that the Vetting Committee was responsible for assessing the eligibility of aspirants before they could proceed with their respective contests.
Mr Boasiako is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted on illegal mining-related charges. His legal team is challenging both the conviction and sentence.
Despite withdrawing from the NPP chairmanship contest, Mr Boasiako insisted 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 stated.
He also appealed to his supporters to remain committed to the NPP and avoid creating divisions within the party because of his situation.
Mr Boasiako urged them not to attack other candidates or direct insults at anyone in his name.
“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 said.
His withdrawal now leaves the NPP National Chairmanship contest to other aspirants as the party prepares for its upcoming national elections.