The 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed disappointment after efforts to meet the bail conditions of GH¢50 million for the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, proved unsuccessful. Wontumi is currently in custody at the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation.
Addressing the press on Friday, May 30, 2025, Dr Bawumia revealed that arrangements to visit Chairman Wontumi had failed.
“We had made arrangements to come and see our Chairman Wontumi, who was arrested and has been held in custody by EOCO. We wanted to check on him and see how he was doing. All necessary preparations were made,” he stated.
Dr Bawumia also criticised the bail conditions imposed on Wontumi.
“I must put on record that the bail conditions set for Chairman Wontumi, GH¢50 million, are very onerous. I don’t know how many people in Ghana own property worth that amount. It appears designed to delay his release,” he remarked.
He further expressed dissatisfaction over being denied access to Wontumi despite prior notice.
“We are very disappointed in our inability to see him, especially after making the necessary arrangements. We’ve communicated our disappointment and will continue efforts to ensure we get to see him,” he added.
The former Vice President also appealed for calm among party supporters.
“I want to plead with all of you to remain calm as we work behind the scenes to ensure his release. I believe we will succeed, but we must remain peaceful and not take the law into our own hands. It’s important that we follow due process and ensure Chairman Wontumi is released safe and sound,” he urged.
Chairman Wontumi was taken into custody by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after undergoing interrogation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
He is currently under investigation for alleged involvement in multiple criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.
Deputy Attorney General, Justice Srem-Sai, has disclosed that a second phase of the investigation reportedly links Wontumi to a broader international organised crime syndicate.
Although EOCO granted him bail of GH¢50 million, his legal team has yet to meet the conditions required for his release.
JKB/MA
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