New Patriotic Party (NPP) stalwart Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the party’s National Chairmanship race, bringing an unexpected turn to the contest ahead of the party’s national executive elections.
Chairman Wontumi announced his decision on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, saying he had reached the decision after prayer, personal reflection and consultations with his family, legal team and party elders.
The former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman said his current circumstances influenced the decision and that he did not want his situation to become a burden to the party.
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His withdrawal comes only days after his campaign team collected nomination forms on his behalf while he was in prison, signalling how quickly the political situation surrounding his candidacy has changed.
Wontumi explains why he is stepping aside
In announcing his withdrawal, Wontumi said he had spent several nights praying and consulting people close to him before arriving at the decision.
Chairman Wontumi indicated that his present circumstances made it difficult to continue pursuing the chairmanship position.
The decision appears to have been motivated partly by concerns about becoming a distraction or burden to the NPP at a time when the party is preparing for its next electoral battle.
Wontumi also urged his supporters to accept the decision and remain committed to the party.
He asks NPP supporters to back Bawumia
One of the most politically significant parts of Wontumi’s announcement was his appeal for NPP supporters to support Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
The former Vice President is expected to remain a central figure in the NPP’s preparations for the 2028 presidential election.
Chairman Wontumi’s call therefore goes beyond his decision to leave the chairmanship contest.
It signals an attempt to maintain political unity within the party and keep supporters focused on the NPP’s larger objective of returning to power in 2028.
The decision comes days after Wontumi picked nomination forms
Wontumi’s withdrawal is particularly striking because his campaign had only recently taken concrete steps to keep his chairmanship bid alive.
On August 21, his campaign team collected nomination forms for the National Chairmanship position on his behalf while he remained incarcerated.
His Communications Director, Ewuradwoa Coleman, confirmed at the time that the campaign was continuing.
The move followed an earlier decision by his supporters to proceed with the campaign despite his imprisonment.
Reports at the time indicated that his lawyers had also taken legal steps connected to his conviction and sentence.
Just four days later, Wontumi has now withdrawn from the race.
Five candidates had entered the chairmanship race
Chairman Wontumi’s withdrawal also changes the shape of an NPP chairmanship contest that had attracted several prominent party figures.
According to the Ghana News Agency, five aspirants had picked nomination forms for the National Chairperson position.
They were:
- Paul Afoko
- John Boadu
- Boakye Agyarko
- Sammy Crabbe
- Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi)
The incumbent National Chairman, Stephen Ayesu Ntim, is not seeking re-election.
With Wontumi now out, the remaining candidates face a different political landscape.
Wontumi’s withdrawal follows a turbulent period
Chairman Wontumi’s chairmanship bid had attracted significant attention because of the circumstances surrounding his legal troubles.
His campaign continued even after he was sentenced to prison, with supporters arguing that his incarceration should not automatically end his political ambitions within the NPP.
His campaign team subsequently collected his nomination forms, keeping his name in the race.
The development generated debate about whether an incarcerated politician could effectively contest a major party leadership position.
Wontumi’s latest decision has now removed that question from the immediate chairmanship contest.
The Ashanti Regional chairman’s influence
Wontumi has been one of the NPP’s most recognisable regional figures.
As Ashanti Regional Chairman, he developed a strong political following within one of the NPP’s traditional strongholds.
His outspoken style and visibility in Ghanaian politics have made him a prominent figure within the party.
That influence helped make his decision to contest the national chairmanship particularly significant.
His withdrawal therefore represents more than the departure of another candidate.
It removes one of the race’s most recognisable personalities.
What Wontumi’s exit means for the NPP
The NPP is currently going through a major period of internal reorganisation following its defeat in the 2024 general election.
The party’s next national executives will be expected to rebuild its structures, strengthen grassroots mobilisation and prepare for the 2028 presidential contest.
That makes the National Chairmanship race particularly important.
The successful candidate will inherit a party facing the challenge of rebuilding confidence among its supporters while resolving internal disagreements and preparing for another national election.
Wontumi’s withdrawal could therefore alter the balance between the remaining contenders.
The NPP’s 2028 challenge
Wontumi’s appeal for support for Bawumia also places the chairmanship contest within the larger question of the NPP’s future presidential strategy.
The party has already selected Bawumia as its presidential candidate for the 2028 election, making his campaign central to the NPP’s attempt to regain power.
Chairman Wontumi’s decision to publicly encourage his supporters to back the former Vice President could help reinforce the message of unity the party needs as it begins preparing for the next election.
However, the effectiveness of that appeal will depend on whether the party’s different factions can work together after the national executive elections.
A dramatic reversal
The speed of events surrounding Wontumi’s candidacy makes his withdrawal particularly notable.
Only days ago, his supporters were insisting that the campaign was continuing.
His nomination forms had been collected despite his imprisonment, and his team was preparing to maintain his candidacy.
Now, Chairman Wontumi has personally announced that he is stepping aside.
The reversal illustrates how rapidly political calculations can change when personal, legal and organisational circumstances collide.
What happens next?
Wontumi’s withdrawal leaves the remaining NPP chairmanship contenders to compete for the position without one of the race’s most prominent names.
The party’s electoral process will continue according to its timetable, with the national executive elections scheduled for October 3, 2026.
Attention will now shift towards the remaining candidates and whether Wontumi’s supporters will unite behind another contender.
His call for unity and support for Bawumia may also become an important part of the NPP’s political conversation as the party looks towards 2028.
For Wontumi himself, the withdrawal marks a significant change in his political journey.
But his message suggests that stepping aside from the chairmanship contest does not mean stepping away from the NPP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Chairman Wontumi withdraw from the NPP chairmanship race?
Wontumi cited his current personal circumstances and said he did not want to become a burden to the party. He said he reached the decision after prayer and consultations with his family, legal team and party elders.
Did Wontumi previously pick nomination forms?
Yes. His campaign team collected nomination forms on his behalf on August 21, 2026, while he was incarcerated.
Who else was contesting the NPP National Chairmanship?
The five aspirants who had picked forms were Paul Afoko, John Boadu, Boakye Agyarko, Sammy Crabbe and Bernard Antwi-Boasiako.
Who did Chairman Wontumi ask NPP supporters to support?
He urged his supporters to support Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the NPP prepares for the 2028 general election.
When will the NPP elect its national executives?
The party’s national executive elections are scheduled for October 3, 2026.
Does Chairman Wontumi’s withdrawal mean he is leaving the NPP?
No. His announcement concerns his withdrawal from the National Chairmanship contest. Chairman Wontumi also called on supporters to remain committed to the party.