Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) National Chairmanship race, while vowing to continue his fight for justice.

In a statement dated August 24, 2026, Mr Boasiako said he decided to step aside after consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters.

He explained that although the decision was difficult, he did not want his personal circumstances to become 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 on the New Patriotic Party,” he said.

His withdrawal comes just days after his campaign team picked nomination forms on August 21, 2026, on his behalf for the NPP National Chairmanship contest, despite his incarceration.

The NPP National Elections Committee subsequently clarified that the collection of nomination forms did not automatically qualify an aspirant to contest, stressing that eligibility would be determined by the party’s Vetting Committee.

Mr Boasiako is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence following his conviction on illegal mining-related charges. His legal team is challenging the conviction and sentence.

Despite withdrawing from the contest, Mr Boasiako said his decision should not be viewed as surrender, insisting that he remains committed to seeking justice.

“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 avoid attacks on other aspirants and to maintain unity within the NPP.

“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 appealed.