We're disappointed we didn't see Wontumi - Dr Bawumia

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is disappointed. He is upset about the New Patriotic Party (NPP) leadership's failure to meet with their detained Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi.

On Friday, May 30, Dr. Bawumia spoke to journalists outside the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) in Accra. He explained that they had planned to check on Chairman Wontumi. He has been in custody for four days after being arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

Dr. Bawumia said, “Our Chairman, Wontumi, was arrested and held by EOCO. We wanted to see him and find out how he is doing.”

However, NIB officials cited a large crowd outside as the reason for not facilitating the meeting. Dr. Bawumia noted that they felt unable to bring Wontumi out at that moment.

He expressed disappointment over the inability to see him despite prior arrangements made by the party. “We are very disappointed because we made prior arrangements,” he added.

Chairman Wontumi was granted bail of GH¢50 million with two sureties required. As of Friday, only one surety had been secured, leaving him still in custody. His detention has led to protests among NPP supporters and officials.

Earlier that day, NPP supporters gathered at the NIB headquarters after hearing about Wontumi’s transfer there. According to JoyNews correspondent James Avedzi, supporters were transported from EOCO headquarters in two Sprinter buses.

Chanting slogans and demanding his release, they faced closed gates at the NIB as security restricted access. Several Members of Parliament and senior party officials were also present seeking entry into the facility.