Bawumia, Minority Leader, granted access to Wontumi as tensions mount over detention

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the 2024 NPP flagbearer. He, along with the Majority Leader, has visited Chairman Wontumi.

Chairman Wontumi is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He was recently moved to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). This followed his detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for a criminal investigation.

His transfer has increased political tensions and public scrutiny. Dr. Bawumia is working to meet EOCO’s bail conditions. These include a GHs50 million bond with two justified sureties, which are not yet fulfilled.

After his transfer, many NPP Members of Parliament and supporters gathered at the NIB. They came to show their support for Chairman Wontumi. The area is now under tight security.

Wontumi was first arrested on Tuesday, May 27, by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID). He was later handed over to EOCO. Although he received bail on Wednesday, May 28, his ongoing detention has sparked public outcry.

On Thursday, May 29, Minority MPs protested from Parliament to EOCO headquarters in Accra. They demanded Wontumi’s immediate release during this demonstration.

The protest caused significant traffic disruptions and increased police presence. It ended on Friday, May 30, when the Minority returned to parliamentary duties.

As this case develops, calls for due process and transparency are growing louder. Concerns about political and legal implications continue to rise among all parties involved.