Bawumia calls for calm amid Wontumi’s detention

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is the 2024 flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He has called for calm among party supporters. This follows the ongoing detention of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi.

Dr. Bawumia made his appeal during a visit to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB). He and other senior party members were denied access to Wontumi. They had made prior arrangements but could not see him, which disappointed Dr. Bawumia.

“We are very disappointed in our inability to see him,” he told journalists. He criticized the bail terms set by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO). The GH¢50 million requirement, backed by two sureties, is excessively harsh.

“I must put on record that these bail conditions are very onerous,” he stated. He questioned how many people in Ghana have property worth GH¢50 million. Dr. Bawumia believes this was intended to delay Wontumi's release.

Despite his frustration, he reaffirmed the party’s commitment to due process. “We will follow all legal avenues to secure his release,” he said.

He urged NPP supporters to remain calm and avoid unlawful behavior in response to this situation. “I plead with all of you to stay calm as we work behind the scenes,” he added.

The continued detention of Chairman Wontumi has created political tension and drawn significant attention.