Oppong Nkrumah: EOCO attempting to detain Wontumi beyond legal limit

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the MP for Ofoase Ayirebi, has made serious accusations. He claims the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) is trying to detain Bernard Antwi Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi, beyond the legal limit of 48 hours.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested on May 27. His arrest relates to alleged financial irregularities with the Ghana Export-Import Bank (EXIM Bank). EOCO granted him bail of GHS50 million on May 28. However, he remains in custody because he has not met the bail conditions.

On May 29, several Minority MPs protested outside EOCO headquarters in Accra. They marched from Parliament to demand Wontumi's release. The protest caused heavy traffic and attracted a large police presence.

In an interview with Eyewitness News, Nkrumah criticized EOCO's actions. He suggested they are intentionally delaying Wontumi’s release. “What is it that you cannot find about Bernard Antwi-Boasiako?” he asked. He believes there is a clear attempt to keep Wontumi detained longer than allowed.

Nkrumah urged EOCO to grant Wontumi police inquiry bail instead. He insisted that Wontumi would cooperate with any further investigations. “All this drama shows they want to demonstrate their power,” he said.

He called for engagement with EOCO’s top officials regarding this issue.