The ongoing situation involving the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has taken several twists and turns, highlighting the complex interplay of legal processes and political dynamics.
Arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on suspicion of involvement in fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes, Chairman Wontumi was granted bail, but his release has been fraught with challenges.
The Contentious GH₵50 Million Bail
Chairman Wontumi was initially granted bail to the tune of GH₵50 million with two sureties, both required to be justified.
This figure immediately drew strong criticism. Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia publicly accused the government of deliberately setting this “very onerous” bail condition specifically to prevent Wontumi’s timely release.
Dr. Bawumia questioned how many individuals in Ghana could possess property valued at GH₵50 million, suggesting the sum was intended to keep Wontumi in custody indefinitely.
Dr. Bawumia also confirmed his efforts to visit Wontumi were hampered by security concerns due to agitated crowds.
Meeting the Bail Conditions
Despite the perceived difficulty, Chairman Wontumi’s legal team, led by Andy Appiah-Kubi, eventually confirmed that all necessary documentation for the two sureties had been completed.
A significant factor in meeting these conditions was the intervention of former Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong.
Mr. Appiah-Kubi expressed considerable gratitude to Mr. Acheampong for providing property documents that “go over and above the value of money that is required.”
A New Legal Hurdle
However, the fulfillment of the bail conditions did not immediately lead to Chairman Wontumi’s release. According to his lawyer, a fresh court application was filed by unknown persons specifically to “frustrate” the process.
This new legal development stalled his release, despite EOCO officers reportedly being ready to proceed with the inspection of properties listed by the sureties.
This unexpected challenge means Chairman Wontumi is expected to remain in custody until at least Monday, June 2, unless this pending legal obstruction is withdrawn or resolved.
Challenging the Original Bail
Adding another layer to the legal proceedings, Chairman Wontumi’s lawyers have filed a motion at the High Court in Accra seeking a review of the original GH₵50 million bail conditions.
They argue that the sum is excessive and was intentionally set to prevent his release. This motion is scheduled to be heard on June 3, 2025.
This indicates a dual legal strategy: fulfilling the existing bail requirements while simultaneously challenging their fairness in court.
Amidst these legal battles, there have been reports on Chairman Wontumi’s well-being and whereabouts. His lawyer has dismissed rumours of a hunger strike, assuring the public that he is receiving necessary medical attention.
High-profile visits from NPP officials, including Dr. Bawumia and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, alongside gatherings of supporters at state agency headquarters, underscore the political sensitivity and public interest surrounding the case.
In essence, the situation remains fluid. While the significant financial hurdles of the GH₵50 million bail appear to have been overcome through the reported assistance of Bryan Acheampong, a new legal challenge has emerged, temporarily blocking Chairman Wontumi’s path to freedom.
