NPP ‘bigwigs’ exposed for using Wontumi’s case for political campaign

Private legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, has taken a swipe at some senior members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of turning Chairman Wontumi’s arrest into a tool for political gamesmanship.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Saturday, May 31, Kpebu said it seems like top figures in the NPP are taking advantage of Bernard Antwi Boasiako’s legal issues to push their own agenda, especially as the party looks ahead to the 2028 general elections.

“It appears the NPP is using Chairman Wontumi’s matter for a political campaign. That is very clear…The NPP needs to sanitise the situation; it doesn’t look tidy at all,” he said.

Chairman Wontumi, the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, is currently under investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). He was arrested on May 27 over allegations involving money laundering, fraud, and causing financial loss to the state. He was granted bail the next day, May 28, with bail set at GH¢50 million and two justified sureties.

Even though his legal team faced some initial challenges in meeting the bail conditions, his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed on Friday, May 30, that they had successfully met all the requirements. But despite that, a new legal obstacle has emerged, delaying Wontumi’s release.

“We encountered some difficulties which will be sorted out on Monday, June 2. We will work towards the desired results. I will stay out of politics and the theatrics and do what is within the law,” Appiah-Kubi told the media.

Martin Kpebu, reacting to the delay and the surrounding political commentary, questioned the real reasons for keeping Wontumi in custody even after meeting bail conditions. He believes the ongoing confusion and drama do not speak well of the NPP and called on the party to put its house in order.

Kpebu also suggested that the NPP’s handling of the issue could worsen public perception of the party, especially if people see it as using legal cases for internal political gain. He advised the party to act more responsibly and focus on clearing the air, rather than creating more uncertainty.

The situation surrounding Chairman Wontumi has become a hot topic in the political space, with opinions sharply divided. Some believe he is being targeted unfairly, while others insist that the law must take its course no matter who is involved.

As things stand, the case has taken a political twist, and the public is watching closely to see how both the NPP and the legal authorities handle it in the coming days.