Former Vice President and 2024 presidential candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has strongly criticized the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) for imposing what he describes as an “onerous” GH₵50 million bail condition on NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Chairman Wontumi was arrested by EOCO on Tuesday, 27 May, and has remained in custody since then. Despite being granted bail in the sum of GH₵50 million with two sureties, both to be justified, he has not been able to meet the conditions for his release.
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The incident has sparked significant political tension, leading to protests by several NPP supporters and senior party leaders at both EOCO’s headquarters and the offices of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB).
On Friday, 30 May, Dr Bawumia, accompanied by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, attempted to secure Wontumi’s release at the NIB but was unsuccessful. Dr Bawumia expressed his disappointment at not being allowed access to Wontumi despite prior arrangements.
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Dr Bawumia criticized the bail conditions as extremely onerous and suggested they were set to delay Wontumi’s release. He reassured that legal processes would be followed to ensure his release as soon as possible and urged party supporters to remain calm.
Charges Against Chairman Wontumi
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Chairman Wontumi is facing investigation for multiple criminal offenses, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai mentioned that asset recovery processes are ongoing alongside the investigation to prevent the dissipation of suspected crime proceeds.
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Additionally, Wontumi is suspected to be connected to an international organized crime network, leading EOCO to collaborate with international law enforcement agencies for further investigation.
