Wontumi's EOCO arrest and detention violates constitution - Hassan Tampuli

Hassan Tampuli, the MP for Gushegu, is unhappy about Wontumi's arrest. Wontumi, whose full name is Bernard Antwi Boasiako, is detained by EOCO.

Tampuli believes this detention is unconstitutional. He spoke on Newsfile on May 31. He argued that holding Wontumi beyond 48 hours violates Article 14 (3) of the 1992 Constitution.

He stated, “Is his continued detention contrary to the law? Yes.” This statement highlights his concerns about personal liberty.

The MP suggested that the prolonged detention seems politically motivated. He questioned EOCO’s motives behind their actions.

Wontumi is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP. He was re-arrested after leaving Police CID earlier this week. The allegations involve financial crimes, but details are unclear.

Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi represents Wontumi and aims to focus on legal processes. He vowed to avoid politics and theatrics in securing his client's release.

Currently, Wontumi is detained by EOCO for allegedly causing financial loss to the state. Appiah-Kubi spoke with JoyNews on May 30 after trying to secure Wontumi's release.

He emphasized working strictly "within the law." His commitment comes amid rising political tension surrounding Wontumi's case.

Appiah-Kubi confirmed a breakthrough in meeting bail conditions. He stated they have provided sureties for Wontumi’s release.

Additionally, he filed an application at the High Court to change EOCO's bail conditions. He thanked "Honourable Bryan Acheampong" for support in filing documents related to this case.

Despite presenting sureties, Wontumi will likely remain in detention over the weekend. His lawyer mentioned a sudden "legal challenge" has arisen.

This new challenge was unexpected and not filed by him. It will be addressed in court on Monday.

These developments follow two days of protests by NPP members demanding Wontumi's release. Protests began with a march from Parliament to EOCO’s office in Accra on Thursday.

Minority MPs led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin protested against what they called unreasonable bail conditions imposed on their colleague.

Wontumi was arrested earlier this week and interrogated by EOCO before being granted bail of GH¢50 million with two sureties required for justification. Party members claim these conditions are excessive and politically motivated.