Wontumi files motion to review his bail conditions

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, has filed a motion in Accra. He seeks a review of his bail conditions set by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

His lawyers submitted the application on May 30. They argue that the GH₵50 million bail is excessive. They believe it aims to prevent his release.

The motion asks the court to reconsider the bail terms. The reasons are detailed in an accompanying affidavit. The court will hear this motion on June 3, 2025.

Lead counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi stated that all documents for two sureties are ready. He received significant support from former Minister Bryan Acheampong.

“We have secured the sureties,” Mr Appiah-Kubi told JoyNews' Michael Ashaley on May 30. “Bryan Acheampong provided documents exceeding the required value.”

Chairman Wontumi was granted bail on May 27 for GH₵50 million with two sureties. He was arrested by EOCO for suspected fraud and money laundering.

Until now, his legal team had only one surety secured. Mr Appiah-Kubi confirmed they met all bail conditions but Wontumi cannot go home yet due to a new legal issue.

He expressed hope that this matter could be resolved by Monday for Wontumi's release. “My client is not going home tonight due to a challenge we need to address,” he said.

“There was an application filed against us that we must deal with.” The lawyer noted EOCO officers were ready to inspect properties listed by the sureties but cannot proceed until this issue is resolved.

“They agreed to do the inspection tonight, but we can’t move forward legally,” he explained.

Mr Appiah-Kubi also addressed confusion about Wontumi’s whereabouts, contradicting claims from Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin about being unaware of it.

Regarding Wontumi’s health, he dismissed rumors of a hunger strike and assured that he is receiving medical care.

“We tried to arrange a meeting with the former Vice President but faced difficulties,” he recounted.

“I assure you his health requires attention and he is getting it.” Mr Appiah-Kubi remains optimistic that once resolved, Chairman Wontumi will be released by Monday.