Wontumi’s lawyers secure second surety for GH₵50m bail conditions

Lawyers for the embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—say they have successfully met the GH₵50 million bail conditions set by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). However, a fresh legal complication is now preventing his release.

Lead counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi confirmed in an exclusive interview with JoyNews’ Michael Ashaley on Friday, May 30, that the two sureties required by EOCO have been fully documented and submitted. He credited former Food and Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong for providing key support in completing the process.

“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 brought his documents, and their value far exceeds the required amount. So I thank him very much.”

Bail Granted, But A New Legal Hurdle Emerges

Chairman Wontumi was granted bail on Tuesday, May 27, in connection with ongoing investigations into alleged financial crimes, including fraud and money laundering. The bail was set at GH₵50 million, with two sureties—both to be justified.

Until Friday, Wontumi’s legal team had only managed to secure one surety. Now that the second surety’s paperwork is complete, his legal team was optimistic about his immediate release—until a fresh legal obstacle emerged.

“My client is not going home tonight. We encountered a challenge that needs to be addressed before we can go forward,” Appiah-Kubi explained.
“Unknown to me, there was an application to frustrate what we are doing, so we will deal with it on Monday. It is an application that was not filed by my good self, but that prohibits us.”

EOCO Ready for Inspection, But Blocked by Court Application

According to Appiah-Kubi, EOCO officials were prepared to verify the properties presented by the sureties on Friday night. But the new legal filing prevented the inspection 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,” he noted.

Confusion Over Wontumi’s Whereabouts Cleared

The lawyer also addressed earlier confusion surrounding Chairman Wontumi’s whereabouts. Some public statements, including one from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, suggested uncertainty about where Wontumi was being held.

Appiah-Kubi clarified the situation, stating that Wontumi is safe and receiving the necessary care.

Wontumi’s Health Stable — No Hunger Strike

The legal team dismissed rumours that Wontumi was on a hunger strike and assured the public that his health was being properly managed.

“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,” he explained.
“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.”

Hope for Release by Monday, June 2

Appiah-Kubi expressed hope that the legal challenge delaying Wontumi’s release would be resolved in court by Monday, June 2, clearing the way for his client’s freedom.

“We hope to resolve the legal matter on Monday, June 2, and then he can be released,” he said.

This latest development adds another layer of complexity to the Chairman Wontumi saga, which continues to attract national attention as he maintains that the allegations against him are politically motivated.