Wontumi remains in EOCO custody due to new legal development 

A step closer to freedom

Lawyers for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have successfully secured a second surety required for his GH₵50 million bail. The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over allegations of fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes.

His lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed on Friday, May 30, that the legal team had fulfilled the bail conditions after earlier struggles to provide both sureties. The breakthrough came with the assistance of former Food and Agriculture Minister, Bryan Acheampong.

“We have been able to provide the sureties… I’m very grateful to Honourable Bryan Acheampong, who has supported me to file the documents,” Mr. Appiah-Kubi told JoyNews.

Bail conditions met, but not freedom yet

Chairman Wontumi was granted bail on Tuesday, May 27, with two sureties required—each to be justified. Until Friday, only one had been secured. With the second surety now in place, the expectation was that the embattled politician would be released from EOCO custody.

However, a sudden legal development threw a wrench in the process. Despite EOCO’s readiness to inspect the properties listed as sureties, a new court application filed earlier in the day has legally prevented any further action.

“My client is not going home tonight. We encountered a challenge that needs to be addressed before we can go forward,” Appiah-Kubi explained, revealing that the application came as a surprise even to him.

A legal hurdle emerges

According to the lawyer, this new legal complication wasn’t initiated by his team but effectively prohibits EOCO from proceeding with the final steps required for Wontumi’s release.

“They had agreed to do the inspection tonight, so all the officers are there, but the challenge that I faced is legal. We can’t do it,” he said.

The team is now working swiftly to address the matter, with a resolution expected by Monday, June 2.

Clarifying misconceptions and health concerns

Amid the legal chaos, confusion has also arisen regarding Wontumi’s whereabouts. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin had earlier suggested they were unaware of his location. Mr. Appiah-Kubi, however, dispelled the rumors, confirming that Wontumi remains in EOCO custody and is under medical care.

He also dismissed claims that his client had gone on a hunger strike. “His condition of health requires attention… so he’s receiving attention and there’s nothing to worry about,” the lawyer assured.

What’s next for Chairman Wontumi?

While the legal team has overcome the major hurdle of meeting the stringent bail conditions, the unexpected court filing has delayed what seemed an imminent release. All eyes now turn to Monday, when the court is expected to address the new application.

For now, Chairman Wontumi remains in EOCO custody, awaiting what could be the final legal step toward his temporary freedom.

African Editors sighted fresh application for review of Wontumi’s bail conditions, to be moved on Tuesday June 3, 2025.