Wontumi’s lawyers should have gone to court for bail variation – Former State Prosecutor

Former State Prosecutor Augustine Obour has criticized the legal team of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi. He disagrees with their response to the GH¢50 million bail condition set by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).

On Joy FM’s News Night, Mr. Obour suggested that instead of protests, Wontumi's lawyers should have sought a court variation of the bail terms. He explained that they could have acted early when they sensed trouble.

Obour noted that Wontumi is still a suspect and has not been formally charged. This situation makes it suitable for judicial intervention.

He stated that if EOCO grants bail and the accused cannot meet the conditions, they must take him to court. The law requires this within 48 hours.

“If you cannot release someone on bail, you must take them to court,” he said. He emphasized that granting such a high bail without ability to pay leads to custody issues.

Mr. Obour added that Wontumi's legal team could have presented the bail information in court for a substitution instead of relying on political actions like protests.

He mentioned, “The person can go to court if their rights are violated.” His comments follow protests by the Minority caucus and NPP supporters at EOCO's office demanding a review of Wontumi’s bail conditions.

They argue that the GH₵50 million bail is excessive and unfair. They plan to remain at EOCO headquarters until Wontumi is released.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin questioned why someone who cooperated with law enforcement needs such high collateral for bail. He called for reconsideration of this condition as unreasonable and unnecessary.

“He was arrested dramatically… then told to provide properties worth 50 million cedis,” he said. Afenyo-Markin urged authorities to vary the bail term since Wontumi is unwell in custody and poses no flight risk.