Bernard Antwi-Boasiako Withdraws from NPP Chairmanship Race as High Court Orders Trial in EXIM Bank Fraud Case

Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the prominent political figure known as Chairman Wontumi, has officially withdrawn his candidacy for the National Chairmanship of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Citing a period of "sober reflection and consultations," Wontumi announced his exit from the race for the October 3, 2026, elections, noting that his current 20-year prison sentence for illegal mining and other personal circumstances necessitated the decision. His withdrawal has paved the way for other contenders, including Sammy Crabbe, Paul Afoko, and Boakye Agyarko, while former General Secretary John Boadu is also expected to file his nomination. The move has reignited social media interest in a past prophecy by Prophet Nigel Gaisie, who had previously predicted Wontumi would ascend to the national chairmanship.

While his political ambitions are on hold, Wontumi’s legal challenges are intensifying. The Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Halima Basit, has ordered the trial regarding an alleged GH₵14 million loan from the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank to proceed. This order follows the expiration of a 30-day negotiation period for a plea bargain, which concluded without an agreement between the State and the defense. The prosecution has been granted 14 days to file all necessary disclosures and witness statements. Wontumi faces multiple charges, including money laundering and defrauding by false pretense, related to a farming project that reportedly resulted in a GH₵30 million loss to the state.

The court has scheduled a Case Management Conference for September 22, 2026, to finalize the roadmap for the trial. Despite the gravity of the charges, Wontumi has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings, even as he continues to serve his existing two-decade sentence. The failed plea negotiations signal a firm stance by the prosecution to seek a full judicial resolution rather than a settlement. This legal battle remains a significant hurdle for the incarcerated politician, whose influence within the NPP remains a topic of public debate.

As the NPP prepares for its internal elections under the presidency of John Mahama, the race for the chairmanship is entering a critical phase. Paul Afoko has pledged to lead an inclusive administration to unify the party, while Boakye Agyarko has emphasized his commitment to supporting the presidential ambitions of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. The outcome of both the NPP leadership contest and Wontumi’s upcoming trial will likely have lasting implications for the political landscape and the enforcement of financial accountability in state-linked banking transactions.