Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has announced his decision to step aside, saying his current personal circumstances should not become a burden or distraction to the party.
In a statement dated August 24, 2026, Mr Antwi-Boasiako said the decision followed several nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters.
He described the decision as painful and said it was not what his heart desired, but one he had to make because of his love for the NPP and his desire to protect the party from any additional burden.
According to him, he has served the party for many years, dedicating a significant part of his life to its cause. He described the NPP as his family, his home and a political tradition to which he had given his voice, strength, resources and entire heart.
Mr Antwi-Boasiako said he could not allow his present situation or personal ambition to distract the party from the difficult task of rebuilding after its defeat.
He expressed appreciation to his supporters across the 16 regions for their loyalty and sacrifices, saying many had travelled long distances to meet him, opened their homes to him, prayed and fasted for him, and endured ridicule, intimidation and personal attacks because they believed in him.
The former Ashanti Regional Chairman also urged his supporters not to attack anyone or any aspirant on his behalf and not to abandon the NPP because of his current circumstances.
“If you truly love me, then remain loyal to the tradition I have spent my life serving,” he said.
He further called on NPP supporters to remain firmly behind the party’s leader, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, stressing that Bawumia needed the prayers, loyalty and total support of the party to rebuild and prepare it for the political battles ahead.
Mr Antwi-Boasiako appealed to party members across constituencies, polling stations and other structures to close their ranks, put aside bitterness and give Dr Bawumia the united and disciplined party he needs to lead the NPP back to victory.
Despite his decision, he maintained that he had not surrendered his pursuit of truth and justice, saying he remained firm in his belief that justice would prevail in God’s appointed time.
He described the current situation as only one chapter of his life and not the end of his story.
“To the entire NPP family, I offer my heart, my loyalty and my continued service. This is not goodbye. It is not the end of the journey. It is only a painful pause in a much greater story that God Himself is still writing,” he said.
Mr Antwi-Boasiako concluded by urging his supporters to remain strong, united and loyal to the NPP and to continue supporting Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
“My body may be confined today, but my heart remains with you,” he said.
He ended the statement with the words: “The battle is still the Lord’s.”
The statement was signed on his behalf by Ewuradjoa Coleman, Director of Communications and Media.
