Allow the lawyers to do their work – NPP MP slams executives
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Mpraeso Constituency, Davis Opoku Ansah, has jumped to the defence of Andy Appiah-Kubi, the lead lawyer for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, over delays in securing his client’s release from custody.
According to the MP, some people in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and sections of the general public are being too quick to judge the legal team, forgetting that bail is a legal process and not a political drama. He stressed that if public noise and emotional protests could get Wontumi out, he would have been walking free by now.
Taking to his Facebook page, Davis Opoku Ansah wrote:
“If politics with theatrics could save the chairman, he would be out. Instead, allow the lawyers to do their work.”
Background: Why Wontumi Is in Custody
Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. Soon after, he was handed over to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), which is now leading investigations into allegations of fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
On Wednesday, May 28, EOCO granted him bail to the tune of GH₵50 million, with a condition of two justified sureties—meaning the sureties had to provide proof that they could cover the full amount if necessary.
Despite the bail being granted, Wontumi has remained in EOCO custody, causing confusion and leading to public protests, political accusations, and even calls for naked demonstrations by angry NPP supporters.
Lead Lawyer Appiah-Kubi Explains the Delay
On Friday, May 30, lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, who is also the MP for Asante-Akim North, addressed the media to clarify the situation.
He confirmed that the legal team had successfully secured the two sureties required for the bail and had submitted all necessary documentation to EOCO. He expressed gratitude to former Food and Agriculture Minister, Bryan Acheampong, who provided crucial help in meeting the bail conditions.
“We have been able to provide the sureties; that, I can assure you. And I’m very grateful to Honourable Bryan Acheampong, who has supported me in filing the documents,” he said.
He added:
“He has brought his documents, which go over and above the value of money required. So, I thank you very much.”
Fresh Legal Application Delays Wontumi’s Release
Despite successfully meeting the bail conditions, Wontumi was still not released on Friday night. The reason? A new legal application had been filed in court—one that even Appiah-Kubi himself said he was not aware of initially.
“My client is not going home tonight. We encountered a challenge that needs to be addressed before we can move forward,” he explained.
“Unknown to me, there was an application to frustrate what we are doing, so we will deal with it on Monday. It is an application that was not filed by myself, but it prohibits us,” he added.
According to him, the EOCO officers were ready to inspect the properties provided by the sureties, which is a standard part of the bail verification process. However, because of the fresh court filing, the legal team had to put everything on hold until the issue is dealt with.
“They had agreed to do the inspection tonight, so all the officers are there, but the challenge I faced is legal. We can’t do it,” Appiah-Kubi said.
Internal and External Pressure Mounts on Wontumi’s Lawyers
Since Chairman Wontumi’s arrest, the NPP has been under intense pressure—both from within the party and from the general public—to secure his release. His continued detention has triggered accusations of political witch-hunting, with the party alleging that the John Mahama government is trying to neutralise influential NPP figures in its strongholds ahead of the next elections.
Some party members and supporters have directed their anger at the legal team, especially lawyer Appiah-Kubi, accusing him of moving too slowly or not being aggressive enough.
But Davis Opoku Ansah says this blame is misplaced. He believes the lawyers are doing their best under very difficult legal and political circumstances.
Political Drama vs Legal Process
The comments by the Mpraeso MP have sparked a broader conversation about how political parties in Ghana respond to legal matters. Many people believe that the rule of law must take precedence over political emotions.
A political analyst speaking on TV3’s New Day program noted:
“This is not a street match where you can shout and get results. If someone is arrested and the matter is in court or under investigation, due process must be followed. No amount of noise can overrule the law.”