No individual is above the law – Bawumia reacts to Wontumi’s arrest on Facebook

Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and other security agencies to uphold the constitutional rights of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, who was arrested and detained on Tuesday, May 27.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Dr Bawumia expressed grave concern about the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman’s continued detention, especially in the absence of clear charges and confirmed information regarding his whereabouts.

“In a democratic environment as ours, no individual is above the law,” Dr Bawumia wrote.

“Equally, no Ghanaian—regardless of political affiliation or status—should ever be denied their constitutional rights. Justice and due process are not optional; they are the foundation of our democracy.”

His comments come amid growing public interest in the circumstances surrounding Chairman Wontumi’s arrest and the legal processes being followed.

Dr Bawumia revealed that he had been in direct contact with Mr Wontumi’s legal team to ensure that all legal avenues are being pursued and that his rights are being safeguarded.

“I commend them for their professionalism and vigilance,” he noted, indicating that he was actively monitoring the case and expects institutions to handle the matter lawfully and transparently.

The former Vice President further cautioned that failure by state institutions to act within the confines of the law could erode public trust in Ghana’s justice system.

“Ghana must always remain a nation governed by law—not by arbitrary power. Our Republic is strongest when our institutions are both firm and fair,” he asserted, reinforcing his call for EOCO and all related bodies to operate within constitutional limits.

Why Bawumia’s Statement Matters

Dr. Bawumia’s statement has drawn attention because he is the immediate past Vice President, and still a respected figure in the NPP and national politics. Many Ghanaians see him as a calm and moderate voice, so his decision to publicly comment shows the seriousness of the Wontumi case.

Coming at a time when the NPP is already accusing the government of political intimidation, his words are being seen as a measured but firm warning to state institutions.

Sources close to the party say that many senior figures have been calling on Bawumia to speak out, especially as Chairman Wontumi remains in hospital under police guard, with very little public information about the nature of the charges against him.

Background: Wontumi’s Dramatic Arrest

Chairman Wontumi was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, after initially honouring an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). However, NPP leaders say that after answering a few questions, he was suddenly whisked away by heavily armed, masked officers, who took him into custody.

According to his lawyer and NPP Member of Parliament, Andy Appiah-Kubi, Wontumi fell ill during interrogation and had to be taken to the hospital. He has remained there since, under medical supervision, with the interrogation yet to be completed.

Bawumia in Touch with Legal Team

Dr. Bawumia confirmed in his post that he has personally engaged with Wontumi’s legal team, describing their conduct as professional and vigilant.

“I commend them for their professionalism and vigilance,” he wrote.

He also hinted that he is monitoring the case closely to ensure that the rule of law is upheld.

“I have been in direct contact with his legal team to ensure that all legal avenues are being pursued and that his rights are being safeguarded.”

This shows that although Bawumia is no longer in government, he remains an active player in matters that concern the party and the state.

A Word of Caution to EOCO and State Institutions

Dr. Bawumia used the opportunity to remind EOCO and other state bodies to remain within the limits of the constitution. He warned that if they fail to act lawfully, the damage could go beyond one person—it could affect the whole justice system.

“Ghana must always remain a nation governed by law—not by arbitrary power. Our Republic is strongest when our institutions are both firm and fair.”

This part of his statement speaks directly to the danger of abuse of power. If institutions arrest people without proper procedure, or use fear and intimidation instead of lawful processes, the people will lose confidence in democracy itself, Bawumia suggested.

Growing Public Anxiety Over Wontumi’s Whereabouts

As of now, very little is known about the exact charges against Chairman Wontumi. His lawyers say that they were not given full disclosure during interrogation. His supporters, who have been gathering at EOCO and the hospital where he is being treated, continue to demand transparency.

Party officials are also concerned that even NPP leaders have been denied access to him, including General Secretary Justin Kodua and National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye.

“We don’t know why he’s being held. No one is telling us anything,” Nana Boakye fumed on Tuesday.

This lack of transparency is what prompted Bawumia’s post, according to sources in the NPP.

Tensions in the Ashanti Region

Wontumi is not just any regional chairman. He is one of the most powerful political figures in the Ashanti Region, which is the NPP’s strongest base. His arrest has therefore raised serious concerns within the party’s grassroots structures.

Already, youth in Kumasi, Obuasi, and other strongholds are planning protests, and some have accused the government of trying to destroy the NPP from within.

“If they can do this to Wontumi, what will they not do to the rest of us?” one party activist told reporters.

Many believe that this arrest is politically motivated, especially with the 2026 general elections drawing near.

Public Reaction to Bawumia’s Statement

Bawumia’s post has received widespread attention on social media. Many Ghanaians have praised him for speaking out calmly but firmly.

Some comments on Facebook include:

“Dr. Bawumia has spoken like a statesman.”

“We need more people like him to hold our institutions accountable.”

“Respectfully, he should’ve spoken earlier. But better late than never.”

Others, however, say that he should be more direct in calling out President Mahama’s government, especially if the arrest was indeed political.

“He should have mentioned the president’s name directly. This is not the time for diplomacy,” one commenter argued.

Conclusion: A Delicate Moment for Ghanaian Democracy

Dr. Bawumia’s intervention in the case of Chairman Wontumi’s arrest has added weight to the public debate over justice, rule of law, and political fairness in Ghana.

While he has not accused the government directly, his message is clear: no one should be above the law—but no one should be abused under the law either.

In these times of growing political tension, his call for calm, constitutionality, and transparency is one that many Ghanaians—especially those who believe in democracy—can agree with.

Now, all eyes are on EOCO, the CID, and the Mahama administration. Will they provide clarity, or will the silence deepen the suspicion?

For now, Dr. Bawumia’s post has set a tone of caution and vigilance—reminding us all that Ghana’s democracy must be protected at all costs.