Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the race for the National Chairmanship of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The decision was announced by the Wontumi Campaign in a statement dated August 27, 2026, following what it described as extensive consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted associates.
According to the campaign, Wontumi’s decision was difficult because his desire to serve as National Chairman was genuine, as was his conviction that he could contribute to the rebuilding, reorganisation and strengthening of the party.
However, the campaign said his present circumstances and their potential implications for the NPP led him to conclude that continuing with the contest at this time would not serve the larger interests of the party.
“He does not want his personal circumstances to become a distraction from the urgent task before us: rebuilding our party, strengthening our grassroots, restoring confidence and preparing the NPP for the political battles ahead,” the statement said.
The campaign stressed that the withdrawal was not motivated by bitterness or diminished commitment to the party, but by what it described as a considered decision to put the NPP’s interests ahead of personal ambition.
Nomination forms already obtained
The campaign also addressed questions surrounding the fact that nomination forms had recently been obtained on behalf of Wontumi.
It explained that at the time the forms were obtained, the campaign remained committed to pursuing his candidature. However, it said circumstances evolved and further consultations ultimately led to the decision to withdraw.
“There is no contradiction in reassessing a decision when circumstances require it,” the statement said, describing the move as a demonstration of maturity and responsible leadership.
Supporters urged to protect party unity
Wontumi’s campaign has meanwhile appealed to his supporters not to allow disappointment over his withdrawal to create divisions within the party.
The supporters were specifically urged not to insult or attack any individual or aspirant in Wontumi’s name, and not to turn their disappointment over the decision into disappointment with the NPP.
The campaign emphasised that the party was “bigger than any individual” and “bigger than any internal election.”
No bitterness towards fellow aspirants
Wontumi also wished all other aspirants in the National Chairmanship contest well and, according to the statement, instructed his supporters to conduct themselves with dignity and restraint.
The campaign said whoever eventually emerges as National Chairman would have the responsibility of helping to heal, reorganise and unite the NPP, strengthen its grassroots and restore public confidence.
It cautioned that internal competition should not damage the institution that aspirants seek to lead.
Campaign silent on details of his circumstances
The statement acknowledged that questions would arise concerning Wontumi’s “present circumstances,” noting that these formed part of the broader considerations behind the withdrawal.
However, the campaign declined to discuss the details, saying matters properly within legal and judicial processes should remain there.
It said it would not use the press conference to “prejudge, litigate or politicise” such matters and that Wontumi remained respectful of the laws and institutions of Ghana.
Despite withdrawing from the contest, the campaign stressed that Wontumi was not withdrawing from the NPP.
His commitment to the party, relationship with its grassroots and determination to contribute to its rebuilding, it said, remained intact.
The campaign described the withdrawal as “a chapter, not the end of the story,” saying Wontumi had chosen unity and responsibility over personal ambition.
The statement was signed by Ewuradjoa Coleman, Director of Media and Communications for the Wontumi Campaign.I can also give you 5 stronger newspaper-style headlines or rewrite this with a more political/analytical angle.
