Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced his decision to step aside from his political ambitions, saying his present circumstances must not become an additional burden on the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In an emotional statement dated August 24, 2026, Wontumi said the decision followed “many nights of prayer, sober reflection” and consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters.
“This is not the decision my heart desired,” he said, adding that he had reached the painful conclusion that he could not allow his personal situation or ambition to distract the party from its efforts to rebuild.
Wontumi, who described the NPP as his “family” and “home,” reflected on years of service to the party, saying he had travelled across the country, worked with grassroots supporters and remained committed to the party through periods of both victory and defeat.
He acknowledged that his decision would disappoint supporters who had stood by him through difficult circumstances.
“To my teeming supporters across all sixteen regions, I know this message will hurt,” he said, thanking them for their sacrifices, prayers and loyalty.
Wontumi also made a passionate appeal to his supporters not to turn their anger or disappointment over his situation against 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 said.
He urged his supporters to remain loyal to the NPP and, in particular, to rally behind the party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
“Dr Bawumia needs our prayers, loyalty and total support. He cannot rebuild this party alone,” Wontumi said, calling for unity among constituencies, polling-station executives, communicators, youth groups and other party structures.
His appeal comes as the NPP faces the task of rebuilding after its defeat and preparing for the next electoral contest.
Wontumi insisted that his decision should not be interpreted as surrender, maintaining that he remains committed to what he described as the pursuit of truth and justice.
“I have not surrendered, and I will never surrender in the pursuit of truth and justice,” he said, adding that he remains confident that justice will prevail “in God’s appointed time.”
Despite his current circumstances, Wontumi sought to reassure his supporters that his political journey was not over.
“This is only one chapter of my life. It is not the end of my story,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to those who had supported and prayed for him, while extending forgiveness to those who disagreed with him.
“To the entire NPP family, I offer my heart, my loyalty and my continued service,” he said.
In an especially emotional closing, Wontumi described his decision as a sacrifice made out of love for the party.
“I began this journey because I love the NPP. Today, I am making this painful sacrifice because I still love the NPP,” he said.
He urged his supporters to “wipe away your tears,” remain strong and united, and never lose faith in the NPP’s “great Elephant tradition.”
“My body may be confined today, but my heart remains with you,” he said, expressing hope that, if it is God’s will, he and his supporters would meet again “not in sorrow, but in joy; not in defeat, but in victory.”
The statement was signed on Wontumi’s behalf by Ewuradjoa Coleman, Director of Communications and Media.
He ended with prayers for his supporters, the NPP and Ghana, declaring: “The battle is still the Lord’s.”
