Ashanti Regional Chairman of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi has been released from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) custody after fulfilling his bail conditions.
His release was confirmed on the evening of June 2 by NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua, who also expressed appreciation for Dr. Bryan Acheampong’s role in securing one of the required sureties. Wontumi had been granted bail amounting to GH₵50 million, with two justified sureties, following his May 27 arrest. The investigation involves allegations of fraud, money laundering, and financial loss to the state, with a potential link to an international organized crime syndicate, according to Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai.
Meanwhile, the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has launched its own investigation parallel to EOCO and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
Wontumi’s legal team initially faced challenges in meeting the stringent bail conditions, keeping him in detention for several days. However, by May 30, Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi confirmed that the required documentation had been finalized, assisted significantly by former Minister for Food and Agriculture Bryan Acheampong. Despite this, his release was delayed due to a legal challenge seeking a review of the bail terms.
This review application was scheduled for a hearing on June 3, but the applicant withdrew it on June 2, clearing the path for Wontumi’s release. Although freed, he is expected to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigations as part of his bail agreement.
Source: Ebenezer De-Gaulle
