Tensions between Ghana’s two major political parties have deepened following a failed visit by New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin to see detained Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The visit, which took place at the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) headquarters on Friday, May 30, was part of efforts by the NPP leadership to check on their embattled colleague, who has been in state custody for six days over allegations of fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
However, the meeting did not materialize. According to Victor Kwadjoga Adawudu, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s Legal and Communications Team, the NPP breached a confidential arrangement with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), which had agreed to allow a discreet and dignified visit to Wontumi.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, June 2, Adawudu alleged that rather than keeping the visit low-key, the NPP mobilized supporters to the facility, violating the agreed terms and prompting heightened security concerns.
“There was a clear understanding: a quiet visit, considering Dr. Bawumia’s former status as Vice President. But they bused in crowds and broke the arrangement, which only escalated tensions and led to Wontumi’s continued detention,” Adawudu said.
Chairman Wontumi was initially arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on May 27 and transferred to EOCO, where he was granted bail on May 28, set at GHC50 million with two justified sureties. His legal team claims that the bail conditions were met by May 30, yet he remains in custody, now at the NIB, citing logistical and security concerns.
Despite the controversy, NPP MP Andy Appiah-Kubi has stated that all legal and administrative hurdles are expected to be resolved by Monday, June 2, paving the way for Wontumi’s release.
As the political heat intensifies, the case has sparked concerns over due process, political interference, and respect for the rule of law.
