JUST IN: Wontumi files motion to review his bail conditions

Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has filed a legal motion at the High Court in Accra seeking a review of the GH₵50 million bail imposed on him by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

According to court documents filed on May 30, 2025, his legal team contends that the bail amount is excessive and appears designed to delay or prevent his release from custody. The motion urges the court to reconsider the bail terms based on points outlined in an attached affidavit.

The court is scheduled to hear the motion on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Bail Conditions Met with Help from Bryan Acheampong

Meanwhile, Wontumi’s lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, told JoyNews on Friday, May 30, that all bail requirements, including the two sureties, have now been satisfied.

He credited former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, for playing a key role in securing the second surety.

“We have been able to provide the sureties, that one, I can assure you, and I’m very grateful to Honourable Bryan Acheampong, who has supported me to file the documents,” Appiah-Kubi said.
“He has brought his documents, which go over and above the value of money that is required. So I thank you very much.”

Chairman Wontumi was granted bail on Tuesday, May 27, in the amount of GH₵50 million with two sureties—both to be justified—following his arrest on charges including fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes.

Despite Bail Success, Legal Setback Delays Release

Although all the documentation for bail has been completed, Chairman Wontumi remains in EOCO custody due to a fresh legal obstacle. According to Mr. Appiah-Kubi, an unexpected court application filed earlier on May 30 has temporarily blocked his client’s release.

“My client is not going home tonight. We encountered a challenge that needs to be addressed before we can go forward,” he said.
“Unknown to me, there was an application to frustrate what we are doing. It is an application that was not filed by my good self, but that prohibits us.”

The EOCO team was prepared to inspect the properties provided by the sureties that evening, but the new legal filing prevented them from proceeding.

“They had agreed to do the inspection tonight, so all the officers are there, but the challenge that I faced is legal. We can’t do it,” Appiah-Kubi added.

Clarification on Wontumi’s Whereabouts and Health

Mr. Appiah-Kubi also addressed confusion about Wontumi’s location after Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin claimed they didn’t know where he was being held.

He explained that the Chairman’s location has always been known to the legal team and relevant authorities.

Touching on Wontumi’s health, the lawyer dismissed rumours of a hunger strike and gave assurances that his client was receiving adequate medical attention.

“We had brought him to meet with the former Vice President, but the situation we saw was difficult—to arrange this meeting, to pass through the crowd, to get the Vice President to see him and talk to him. So we had to take him back,” Appiah-Kubi said.
“I told you that his condition of health requires attention. So he’s receiving attention and there’s nothing to worry about in respect of his health.”

Next Steps: Court to Hear Bail Review on June 3

Until the legal challenge is resolved, Chairman Wontumi will remain in custody. His legal team is hopeful that the court will address the motion for bail review quickly, allowing him to be released by Monday or shortly thereafter.

The case continues to attract significant public interest, with both political supporters and critics watching closely as the legal drama unfolds.