EOCO has no intention to grant Wontumi bail – NPP MP reveals
The Member of Parliament for Asante Akim Central, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, has strongly criticised the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over what he sees as an unfair bail condition given to NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Speaking to JoyNews during a walkout and protest held at EOCO’s office on Thursday, the MP expressed his anger about the GH₵50 million bail requirement.
He believes the amount is intentionally high just to keep Wontumi in custody.
What Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi said
“Is that reasonable for an investigative body to insist on a property worth GH₵50 million before granting him bail?” he questioned. “Have they even completed their investigations? What’s the purpose of asking for that amount? It’s so unreasonable — that’s why we’re here.”
“It is unreasonable for them to say GH₵50 million. It is a clear indication that they don’t want to grant him bail,” he indicated.
Mr Anyimadu-Antwi argued that EOCO could have used other ways to make sure Wontumi doesn’t leave the country while investigations continue.
“They’ve already frozen his accounts. If they want, they can seize his passport too. He’s not going anywhere — what matters is ensuring he stays and goes through due process.”
He also disagreed with those who say the bail condition should be challenged in court. According to him, public protest is also a valid way to respond.
“We are citizens. We have the right to protest — and that’s exactly what we’re doing.”
Chairman Wontumi was arrested by EOCO on Tuesday, May 27, after he went to the CID headquarters for questioning.
His lawyer, Andy Appiah Kubi, has confirmed that Wontumi is being investigated for allegedly causing financial loss to the state. Although he was granted bail with an amount of GH₵50 million and required to present two justified sureties, he has remained in custody because he has not been able to meet those conditions.
On May 29, the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, announced a boycott in Parliament by the Minority group. They are demanding a review of what they see as overly harsh bail conditions and are calling for the immediate release of Chairman Wontumi.