Wontumi declares intention to run for NPP National Chairman

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has declared his intention to contest the New Patriotic Party’s National Chairman position, citing the need for unity and decisive leadership.

The declaration was contained in a statement dated February 4, 2026, and signed by Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), who currently serves as Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party.

In the statement, Chairman Wontumi said the NPP stood at a defining moment in its history and required leadership that was “steady, principled, and committed to unity.” He argued that recent challenges confronting the party demanded firm decisions and a renewed focus on rebuilding internal confidence.

“Our party has faced challenges and learned hard lessons along the way. At this critical moment, the NPP demands leadership that is steady, principled, and committed to unity,” he stated.

Presenting himself as a grassroots-oriented figure, Wontumi said his motivation to contest was rooted in service rather than personal ambition.

“I do so not for personal ambition, but to strengthen, rebuild, and unify our great party,” he said, after indicating that he had consulted party elders before making the decision.

He stressed that effective leadership must be willing to take difficult decisions for the collective good of the party, even at personal cost.

“Leadership at this moment requires bravery—the courage to stand firm, make difficult decisions, and be willing to lose everything if necessary for the NPP,” the statement noted.

Chairman Wontumi also projected confidence about the party’s readiness for the next electoral cycle, declaring: “We are ready. We are organized. We are built for the battle ahead.”

According to him, the ultimate objective of his leadership bid would be to restore confidence at the grassroots and position the party for victory in the 2028 general elections.

“Together, we will restore confidence, empower our grassroots, and position the NPP to win decisively in 2028,” he said, adding that the moment called for collective resolve and discipline.

His announcement, however, comes at a time when he is facing criminal prosecution by the Attorney General over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.

The case has attracted significant public attention and is expected to feature prominently in discussions surrounding his bid for the national chairmanship.

Despite the legal challenge, Wontumi’s statement struck a confident and defiant tone, ending with a call for unity and patriotism.

“This is our moment to rise, to lead, and to deliver for the NPP. God bless the New Patriotic Party. God bless our democracy. God bless our motherland Ghana,” he said.

The declaration sets the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched internal contest within the opposition NPP.