The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is intensifying calls for the immediate release of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—who remains in custody at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), despite fulfilling the stringent GH¢50 million bail requirements.
Dr. Francis Adomako, the party’s Ashanti Regional Organiser, expressed frustration over the continued detention during a Citi Prime News interview on Monday, June 2. This follows the withdrawal of a legal motion filed to review the bail terms, a step taken by Wontumi’s legal team in hopes of accelerating his release.
“The bail conditions have been met and the motion has been withdrawn. Yet, our regional chairman remains in EOCO custody without explanation,” Dr. Adomako stated. “The process is being unnecessarily complicated, and we demand that he be freed immediately.”
Chairman Wontumi was arrested over allegations of money laundering and fraud and was granted bail on May 28, 2025. While initial delays in meeting bail conditions caused concern, his lawyers confirmed on May 30 that all requirements, including securing two justifiable sureties, had been satisfied.
Legal counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi had previously noted some procedural hurdles delaying Wontumi’s release but assured swift resolution. However, the latest withdrawal of the bail review application, intended to remove roadblocks, has yet to yield results.
The NPP insists that holding Wontumi after meeting all legal requirements undermines due process and has vowed not to relent until their regional chairman is freed. The party has called on EOCO and relevant authorities to expedite the release and respect the rule of law.
