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Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has withdrawn from the race for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) national chairmanship position, citing his current circumstances and a desire not to become an additional burden on the party.
In an emotional letter dated August 2 and sighted by Pulse Ghana, the businessman and politician said the decision followed several nights of prayer, sober reflection and consultations with his family, legal team, party elders, campaign team and trusted supporters.
“There are moments in the life of a man when the heart wants to continue, but duty demands sacrifice,” he said.
The letter, signed on his behalf by Ewuradjoa Coleman, Director of Communications and Media, explained that Wontumi had reached the difficult decision after carefully considering his circumstances and their potential impact on the NPP.
“Today, I find myself at such a painful moment. 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 to the New Patriotic Party,” the statement said.
Wontumi acknowledged that withdrawing from the contest was not the outcome he wanted, but said he believed it was necessary to protect the party he considers his political home.
“The NPP is not merely a political party to me. It is my family. It is my home. It is a cause to which I have dedicated a significant part of my life,” he said.
He explained that he did not want his personal circumstances or political ambitions to distract the party from its efforts to rebuild following its electoral defeat and prepare for future political contests.
“I cannot ask the party to carry my weight when it is already carrying the pain of defeat and the enormous responsibility of preparing for the battle ahead,” he said.
Addressing supporters across Ghana’s 16 regions, Wontumi acknowledged the sacrifices they had made during his campaign and urged them not to interpret his withdrawal as surrender.
“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.
Wontumi also maintained his innocence in the legal difficulties he is facing and expressed confidence that justice would eventually prevail.
He further appealed to his supporters to remain calm and avoid attacking other aspirants because of his decision.
“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.
The former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman urged his supporters to remain loyal to the party and support former Vice-President and NPP presidential candidate Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
“Above all, remain firmly behind the leader of our party, His Excellency Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. Dr Bawumia needs our prayers, loyalty and total support,” he said.
Wontumi described his withdrawal as a painful pause rather than the end of his political journey.
His decision is expected to reshape the contest for the NPP’s national chairmanship as other aspirants continue their campaigns ahead of the party’s internal elections.
