The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is rallying behind its embattled Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, with former Vice President and 2024 flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia spearheading a high-stakes effort to secure his release from custody.
Wontumi has remained in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) since his arrest on May 27, despite being granted a GHS 50 million bail on May 28, a condition he has yet to meet. The charges against him include fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
The high-profile nature of the case and the stiff bail conditions have caused significant unrest within the party. Party supporters and Members of Parliament have already staged protests, with some lawmakers boycotting proceedings in solidarity.
In an interview with Citi News, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NPP, Divine Agorhom, confirmed that senior party leaders—including Dr. Bawumia—are at the forefront of efforts to secure Wontumi’s release.
“Every senior figure, including His Excellency Dr. Bawumia, is actively involved. We are hopeful EOCO will consider easing the bail conditions to make them more attainable,” Agorhom explained.
He added that the party is also considering legal options to seek a formal variation of the bail terms, and if those efforts fail, the NPP will mobilise financial resources to meet the conditions.
The developments underscore the mounting pressure within the NPP leadership to resolve the Wontumi situation swiftly, amid fears of prolonged legal entanglements and further political fallout.
Observers say the case could test internal party unity and strain the relationship between law enforcement and political actors as the party prepares for a critical election cycle.
