Chairman Wontumi released after meeting bail conditions

Chairman Wontumi Released from EOCO Custody

The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). His release, confirmed by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua on the evening of Monday, June 2, comes after he successfully met the long-standing bail conditions.

Bail conditions and legal obstacles

Chairman Wontumi was arrested on Tuesday, May 27, and later granted bail amounting to GH₵50 million with two sureties to be justified. The charges against him are serious and include alleged fraud, money laundering, causing financial loss to the state, and possible links to an international organised crime syndicate—a detail confirmed by Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai.

Initially, Wontumi’s legal team faced challenges in meeting the bail terms. However, his Lead Counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, announced on Friday, May 30, that the documentation for the sureties was finally complete.

Bryan Acheampong steps in

A significant breakthrough came with the support of Dr. Bryan Acheampong, the former Minister for Food and Agriculture. Acheampong provided one of the required sureties, with documents reportedly exceeding the value required by the bail conditions. His contribution was publicly commended by the NPP’s General Secretary, who acknowledged his critical role in facilitating the release.

A legal twist delays release

Despite having met the bail conditions on May 30, Chairman Wontumi’s release was unexpectedly delayed due to a legal application filed for a review of the bail terms. The application, which threatened to keep him in custody longer, was later withdrawn, clearing the path for his release on June 2. The hearing had originally been scheduled for June 3.

Political pressure and party backlash

Wontumi’s arrest and subsequent detention sparked political outcry. Prominent NPP figures, including Members of Parliament and regional executives, rallied in protest, accusing state institutions of political bias and calling the bail terms excessive. Party supporters also mobilized across the Ashanti Region, demanding his immediate release.

Investigations continue

Although he is now free, Chairman Wontumi remains under investigation. The EOCO probe is running concurrently with inquiries by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), which is reportedly preparing its own docket.

As a condition of his bail, Wontumi is expected to fully cooperate with ongoing investigations.

The spotlight remains on Wontumi as legal proceedings continue. The allegations, if proven, could have far-reaching implications not only for the Ashanti NPP but also for national politics. For now, his supporters celebrate his release, even as the shadow of a deeper investigation looms.

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