Bawumia, Afenyo-Markin granted access to Wontumi at NIB Headquarters

Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin have visited Bernard Antwi Boasiako. He is the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), known as Chairman Wontumi.

Wontumi was moved to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) after being detained by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). This detention relates to an ongoing criminal investigation. Dr. Bawumia is working to meet bail conditions set by EOCO, which include a GHS50 million bond with two sureties. These conditions have not yet been met.

Since his transfer, many NPP Members of Parliament and party officials have gathered at the NIB in support of Wontumi. The area has tight security due to the situation.

Wontumi was taken by EOCO following questioning by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on May 27. He received bail on May 28, but his continued detention led to political protests. On May 29, Minority MPs marched from Parliament to EOCO headquarters, demanding his release.

This protest caused major traffic disruptions in Accra and increased police presence. The boycott ended on May 30 when Minority MPs returned to parliamentary business.

Meanwhile, Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai confirmed that Wontumi is under investigation for serious crimes. These include fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he stated that EOCO is leading this investigation and asset recovery efforts are underway.