Wontumi’s Arrest: Use electronic trackers for high-profile suspects – Martin Kpebu

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu is calling for a modernization of Ghana’s bail system. He suggests using electronic monitoring and house arrest for suspects who cannot meet strict bail conditions.

Kpebu spoke on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem morning show. He believes these reforms would help in high-profile cases. Often, accused persons struggle to meet large bail sums.

“We can modernize the system,” he said. “Let’s review the bail conditions and consider options like collateral or house arrest.”

With house arrest, a suspect stays at home and wears an electronic bracelet. This device tracks their movement.

“It works like a car tracker,” Kpebu explained. “If you leave the allowed area, security is alerted immediately.”

His comments follow the detention of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi. He is the Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman.

Wontumi remains in custody after failing to meet a GH₵50 million bail condition with two sureties. He is under investigation for alleged financial transactions involving the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.

Kpebu believes electronic monitoring would ensure compliance and reduce pressure on suspects to meet steep bail conditions quickly.

He emphasized that this technology would benefit public figures facing legal scrutiny.

“This will help big men who get arrested with huge bail amounts,” he warned. “More politicians and officials will face this – this is just the beginning.”

Kpebu is part of the Operation Retrieve All Looted Assets (ORAL) team and hinted at more high-profile investigations ahead.

He argued that adopting tech-based tools like electronic tracking would enhance accountability. It could also reduce the risk of bail breaches.

“If our leaders embrace technology and accountability, it will work in their favor,” he added. “It allows them to comply with the law from home.”