Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Aide to President John Dramani Mahama, has responded to former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s concerns over the arrest and detention of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In a social media post on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, Joyce Bawah Mogtari emphasised the need for consistent application of justice and due process for all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation.
Dr Bawumia, earlier on Wednesday, issued a statement expressing deep concern over Wontumi’s arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), highlighting the vagueness of the charges and the unknown whereabouts of the detained NPP chairman.
Bawumia urged EOCO and relevant state institutions to adhere to the rule of law and respect Wontumi’s constitutional rights, warning that any deviation risks undermining public trust in Ghana’s justice system.
In her response, the president’s aide acknowledged Bawumia’s call for transparency and respect for Wontumi’s rights, stating that she, too, believes firmly in the rule of law, constitutionalism, and the fundamental rights of every Ghanaian.
However, she pointed out the irony in raising concerns about due process now, noting that over the past few years, many Ghanaians—including political opponents, civil society actors, and ordinary citizens—have faced similar challenges with state institutions acting without transparency or fairness.
“While I join the call for transparency in this matter and for Mr Wontumi’s rights to be respected, I urge consistency in the application of these standards,” Mogtari stated in her post.
She emphasised that justice must not be demanded selectively, only when it affects those within one’s political circle, but should be upheld for all Ghanaians, irrespective of party affiliations.
Mogtari called for the moment to serve as a turning point, advocating for a renewed commitment to uphold the dignity, rights, and liberties of every citizen.
“Let this moment serve as a turning point, not for selective outrage and justice, but for a renewed commitment to uphold the dignity, rights, and liberties of every citizen,” she wrote.
Wontumi was arrested and detained by EOCO on 27 May 2025, after reporting to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra.
The arrest followed a failed attempt to apprehend him on 23 May 2025, and came amid an intense interrogation by the police CID over allegations of illegal mining activities.
However, details behind his EOCO arrest remain scarce, even though his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has disclosed that it is related to Wontumi’s dealings with Exim Bank.
Appiah-Kubi also disclosed that Wontumi has been served a writ of summons by Exim Bank, adding to his legal challenges.
Wontumi reportedly took ill after undergoing intense interrogation at EOCO on Tuesday, leading to his hospitalisation.
According to reports, Wontumi was granted bail in the sum of GHC50 million by EOCO on Wednesday but failed to meet the bail conditions, warranting his continued stay in EOCO custody.
Dear Dr. @MBawumia
Thank you for your statement on the reported arrest and detention of Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Like you, I believe firmly in the rule of law, constitutionalism, and the fundamental rights of every Ghanaian. These… https://t.co/RdEFedffuJ
— Joyce Bawah Mogtari (@joyce_bawah) May 28, 2025
