Lawyers for Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have filed an application in court seeking to vary the bail conditions that have kept the New Patriotic Party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
The legal team argues that the current bail terms are unduly punitive and have impeded Wontumi’s ability to secure his release, despite being granted bail to the tune of GH¢50 million earlier this week.
You might also like
Legal team pursues multiple avenues
A member of Wontumi’s legal team, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed to the press that the defence is actively exploring “all legal options” to ensure their client’s release.
He revealed that a second surety is now ready to stand in support of the bail application, which could ease Wontumi’s path out of EOCO custody if the court grants the variation.
EOCO arrest under fire
Appiah-Kubi said EOCO never extended an invitation to the NPP chairman before detaining him.
Beyond EOCO’s case, Wontumi is also under investigation by the Police CID for allegedly engaging in mining activities without a license.
According to Appiah-Kubi, his client honoured the CID’s invitation as required and is cooperating with that investigation.
Meanwhile, EOCO is pursuing a separate charge gainst Wontumi for causing financial loss to the state.
Details of the alleged financial infractions have not been made public, but the case has sparked widespread political debate and attracted scrutiny from within Parliament and civil society groups.
Health concerns as legal battle drags on
Appiah-Kubi further disclosed that Wontumi is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed health facility.
He declined to provide details about the nature of the medical issue or the name of the facility.
The health condition adds another layer of urgency to the legal team’s push for a bail variation, especially as pressure mounts on EOCO over its continued detention of the prominent regional political figure.
Political fallout and public interest
The ongoing legal and political drama surrounding Wontumi has taken on national significance.
His arrest sparked a walkout by the Minority Caucus in Parliament on May 29, although members returned to the chamber the following day amid internal debate over how long to sustain the protest.
With the case evolving on multiple legal fronts and public opinion sharply divided, the next ruling on the bail variation application will be closely watched.
