Properties worth GH₵50m as bail condition unreasonable - Minority on Wontumi

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) minority in Parliament has condemned the arrest of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi. They criticized the bail conditions set for him.

Minority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin spoke to JoyNews at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra. He called the GH¢50 million bail excessive and unjustifiable.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested earlier this week and interrogated by EOCO. He was granted bail of GH¢50 million with two sureties, which party members claim is politically motivated.

Afenyo-Markin questioned why a citizen must provide properties worth GH¢50 million for bail. He noted that Wontumi had cooperated with law enforcement.

He urged authorities to reconsider the bail condition, calling it unreasonable. “What kind of country are we in?” he asked about the situation.

He also warned the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to reflect on their actions. “Four years will soon come,” he said, urging them to treat others fairly.

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase/Ayirebi, described the situation as a misuse of state power. He stated that what is happening is political rather than legal.

Nkrumah emphasized that Wontumi is cooperating with investigations but still faces harsh treatment. He warned against using state power to intimidate political opponents.

Henry Nana Boakye, NPP’s National Organiser, expressed concerns about Wontumi's whereabouts. He claimed EOCO officials could not confirm where he was being held.

Boakye addressed President John Mahama directly, questioning the rule of law in Ghana. “This is not the rule of law,” he stated regarding Wontumi's detention.

The Minority caucus and NPP supporters have protested at EOCO headquarters. They demand a review of Wontumi's bail conditions and his immediate release after over 48 hours in custody.

NPP members vowed to stay at EOCO until Wontumi was released but eventually dispersed around 6:00 PM.