Wontumi explains absence from Bawumia's campaign

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has reaffirmed his support for former Vice President and aspiring flagbearer of the party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

In a statement shared on X by The1957News on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Chairman Wontumi explained that although he will not be physically present to join campaign tours, his absence is due to court obligations.

Wontumi Illegal Mining Case: Here is when trial is set to officially begin

“As I attend to my court obligations, I will not be physically present on this important campaign tour. Yet my heart, my spirit, and my full political strength remain firmly and unshakably behind Dr Mahamudu Bawumia,” he said.

The New Patriotic Party has scheduled its presidential primaries for Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Five candidates are contesting for the party’s flagbearership, including former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, former Minister of Education Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, former General Secretary Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, and Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr Bryan Acheampong.

Chairman Wontumi’s absence coincides with developments in his ongoing legal case.

Wontumi Illegal Mining Case: Court dismisses request for further disclosures

On Monday, January 12, 2026, the Office of the Attorney General called its first witness in his trial.

He faces allegations of facilitating illegal mining activities by allowing others to mine on his concession at Samreboi without the required legal authorisation.

Read the post below:

As I attend to my court obligations, I will not be physically present on this important campaign tour. Yet my heart, my spirit, and my full political strength remain firmly and unshakably behind Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia - Ashanti Regional Chairman (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako… pic.twitter.com/9ZjZU8usVa

— The1957News (@The1957News) January 13, 2026