Wontumi to remain in EOCO custody as lawyers fail to meet bail terms

Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He will stay in custody at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). His legal team could not meet the bail conditions set by EOCO.

Wontumi is under investigation for several alleged crimes. These include fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering. Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai stated that a second phase of the investigation links him to an international crime syndicate.

Although he was granted bail of GHS50 million, his team has not fulfilled the requirements. As a result, EOCO has refused to release him. This decision has sparked political backlash from NPP Minority members in Parliament.

They accuse EOCO and some National Democratic Congress (NDC) members of political persecution. On May 29, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh condemned the investigation. He claimed it is part of a scheme by President John Mahama to weaken NPP influence in Ashanti Region.

“This isn’t just legal — it’s political,” Annoh-Dompreh said. “They want to break our spirit, but we won’t be intimidated.” Wontumi’s detention has become a significant issue in national politics. Calls for his release are growing among NPP supporters and leaders.