Wontumi Saga: Bail is not supposed to be punishment – MP Isaac Boamah-Nyarko

The Member of Parliament for Effia, Isaac Boamah-Nyarko, has clarified that neither the Minority Caucus in Parliament nor the New Patriotic Party (NPP) objected to the Economic and Organised Crime Office’s (EOCO) invitation of Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

According to him, the party’s concern was solely about what it considered the “harsh and excessive” bail conditions imposed on Wontumi.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested and detained by EOCO on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, after he had earlier reported to the CID headquarters.

He was taken in for further questioning over allegations of involvement in illegal mining activities, including operations in protected forest reserves without proper authorisation.

His detention stirred public debate and led to protests by the Minority Caucus at EOCO offices.

In an interview with GhanaWeb’s George Ayisi, Boamah-Nyarko explained that the NPP’s objection was not about EOCO’s right to invite Wontumi, but about the severe nature of the bail terms.

“Whoever set that bail bond at EOCO, we thought it should be reviewed downwards. Bail is not supposed to be punishment; it is merely a guarantee that the accused will be available for investigations or court proceedings. Even if you place a GH¢100 million bail, it doesn’t pay for any crime. It’s only to ensure presence,” he stated.

The Effia MP emphasised that the NPP respects the rule of law and the authority of investigative bodies, but called for fairness and balance in the justice system.

“On Chairman Wontumi’s case, we felt the state was being unnecessarily hard on him. Perhaps, they wanted to send a message or assert power, but now that bail has been secured, the state should proceed with prosecution if there is a genuine case,” he added.