Wontumi moved to NIB custody as NPP bigwigs storm office

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, has been transferred. He moved from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).

Many NPP leaders and supporters have gathered at the NIB office. This transfer comes amid increased public and political interest in his case.

Reports indicate that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is coordinating efforts for Wontumi's bail. Divine Agorhom, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NPP, spoke to Citi News about this effort. He said many senior party members are involved in seeking a solution.

Agorhom mentioned that if EOCO does not ease bail conditions, they may pursue legal options. If those fail, they will pool resources to help Wontumi.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested after visiting the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on May 27. He received bail of GH₵50 million with two sureties on May 28. However, his legal team had not met all conditions for release by Wednesday.

Wontumi has secured one surety but needs another to fulfill bail requirements. Reports suggest former MP Kennedy Agyapong has offered to be one of the sureties.

On May 29, the minority in Parliament protested outside EOCO headquarters demanding Wontumi's release.

Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai announced that Wontumi is under investigation for fraud and money laundering. He also faces allegations related to an international organized crime scheme.

Justice Srem-Sai stated that EOCO is working with international law enforcement partners on these investigations. Asset recovery efforts are underway to secure suspected proceeds of crime linked to Wontumi.

In a post on X, Justice Srem-Sai detailed the ongoing investigations into various criminal offenses involving Chairman Wontumi. The investigations include asset recovery processes to prevent further loss of suspected proceeds from crime.

Big wigs from the NPP have gathered at the NIB office where Chairman Wontumi is reportedly being held.