New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Chairmanship hopeful Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s upcoming national elections.
His decision comes just days after his campaign team picked nomination forms on his behalf, despite his current incarceration.
In a statement dated August 24, 2026, Mr Boasiako said he arrived at the decision after extensive consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters.
He explained that although stepping aside was not what he wanted, he believed it was necessary to prevent his personal circumstances from becoming a distraction to 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 on the New Patriotic Party,” he said.
The development follows the decision by his campaign team to pick nomination forms for him on August 21. The NPP’s National Elections Committee later clarified that picking the forms did not automatically qualify him to contest, as the party’s Vetting Committee would determine the eligibility of all aspirants.
Mr Boasiako is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence following his conviction on illegal mining-related charges. His legal team is challenging both the conviction and sentence.
Despite withdrawing from the chairmanship contest, Mr Boasiako stressed that he had not given up on his legal fight.
“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 said.
He also urged his supporters to remain committed to the NPP and avoid attacking other aspirants 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 added
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