Wontumi Arrest: You cannot fault EOCO for following its mandate – Bawumia

2024 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has described the GHC50 million bail condition imposed on Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, as extremely unfair and unrealistic. He believes it is just a tactic to delay Wontumi’s release from custody.

Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, is currently facing allegations of fraud, money laundering, and organised crime. He was initially questioned by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), after which he was transferred to the National Investigation Bureau (NIB). EOCO has granted him bail, but the GHC50 million condition—with two sureties—has become a major source of controversy, especially since he has not yet been able to meet it.

Speaking to the media on Friday, May 30, 2025, after attempting unsuccessfully to visit Wontumi at the NIB Headquarters, Dr Bawumia expressed his frustration. “The bail condition for Chairman Wontumi is too heavy. I don’t know many Ghanaians who own property worth GHC50 million. I believe this amount was set deliberately to frustrate him and prevent his timely release,” he stated.

He further added that they would not give up on the matter but would go through the right legal processes to ensure Wontumi’s freedom. “We are going to follow the legal process to make sure he is released,” he reassured party supporters who had gathered at the NIB premises.

Wontumi Still in Custody Despite Bail

Even though EOCO granted him bail on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Chairman Wontumi remains in custody because he has not been able to meet the bail condition. The situation has sparked public debate, especially among political party members and legal analysts.

Wontumi’s arrest and subsequent detention have become a high-profile political issue. Reports indicate that part of the investigations also touches on a controversial GHC50 million payment he allegedly received from COCOBOD under a cocoa roads contract in the final days of the Akufo-Addo administration.

According to Dr Bawumia, the authorities at NIB said they could not allow any visitors unless EOCO gave permission. “We were very disappointed. We had made all the necessary arrangements, but NIB told us EOCO must authorise the visit,” he lamented.

Minority in Parliament Joins the Protest

The Minority in Parliament also made their displeasure known. On Thursday, May 29, they staged a dramatic walkout and held a sit-down protest at EOCO’s office, demanding that the bail conditions be reviewed to allow Wontumi’s release.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin addressed Parliament before the walkout and urged both Majority and Minority MPs to come together and speak with one voice. “I pray that my colleagues on the opposite side will support this, so that with one voice, EOCO will know that when it came to this matter—Chairman Wontumi—Parliament stood united in demanding fairness,” he said.

The Minority believes the bail condition is not meant to ensure justice but to punish Wontumi politically. They argue that it is an abuse of state power to intimidate a leading NPP figure.

EOCO Defended by Policy Analysts

Despite the political pressure, some experts believe EOCO has acted within the law. Dr. Ishmael Norman, a security analyst, told TV3’s NewsCentral that EOCO was simply doing its job. “You cannot fault EOCO for following its mandate and ensuring that anyone who violates the law is dealt with appropriately,” he said.

He noted that the NPP could easily meet the bail condition if it really wanted to. “With all the assets of the NPP party and even Chairman Wontumi’s own properties, they should be able to meet the GHC50 million surety. After all, it’s not cash payment; it’s a guarantee,” he pointed out.

Dr. Norman also questioned the political strategy of the Minority in Parliament. “We haven’t seen Wontumi’s lawyer, Mr. Appiah Kubi, joining them in their protest. That’s because the legal way to challenge a bail condition is in court, not through public protest,” he added.

Government’s Stance Remains Firm

Meanwhile, Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem Sai has confirmed that Chairman Wontumi is being investigated over serious allegations. He stated that the charges include fraud, money laundering, and participating in organised criminal activity. The investigations are part of a broader effort to clamp down on corruption and financial crimes.

As it stands, the government has not indicated any willingness to intervene or review the bail condition. EOCO has also not responded publicly to the demands from the Minority or the NPP’s leadership.

What Happens Next?

Wontumi is expected to reappear at the CID and possibly in court in the coming days. If his legal team is unable to convince the courts to reduce the bail conditions, he could remain in custody for an extended period.

For now, the case is turning into a political hot potato, as both sides of the political divide seek to use it to their advantage. The NPP sees it as political victimisation, while the NDC and government supporters argue that the law must be allowed to take its course.

Summary

Chairman Wontumi, NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, granted GHC50 million bail by EOCO but still in custody.

Dr. Bawumia described the bail as a deliberate attempt to frustrate Wontumi’s release.

Minority MPs staged a walkout and protest, calling for fair treatment.

Dr. Norman and other analysts believe EOCO is following the law and doing nothing wrong.

Deputy Attorney-General confirmed charges including fraud and money laundering.

NPP struggles to meet bail conditions despite Wontumi’s known wealth.