A swelling crowd of supporters from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gathered at the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) headquarters in Accra, demanding the immediate release of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman.
The protest initially began at the offices of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), where Wontumi was believed to be held.
However, the crowd redirected its march to the NIB after receiving word that he had been transferred there.
The sudden change of location heightened tensions among the demonstrators, many of whom warned that the situation could spiral if their demands were not met.
Legal team pushes for bail variation
Meanwhile, lawyers for Chairman Wontumi have filed an application in court to vary the bail conditions that have kept him in EOCO custody despite a GH¢50 million bail granted earlier in the week.
The legal team argues that the current terms are excessively punitive, making it practically impossible for their client to secure release.
Andy Appiah-Kubi, a leading member of the defence team and Member of Parliament for Asante-Akim North, confirmed that “all legal options are being explored.”
He added that a second surety is now available to back the bail application, potentially paving the way for Wontumi’s release if the court grants the variation.
EOCO’s arrest comes under scrutiny
Appiah-Kubi questioned the legitimacy of EOCO’s actions, stating that the agency failed to issue any formal invitation before taking Wontumi into custody.
He emphasised that Wontumi has already honoured an invitation from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service, where he is being investigated for allegedly engaging in mining operations without a license.
While the CID’s investigation is ongoing, EOCO is separately pursuing a case against Wontumi for allegedly causing financial loss to the state in connection with an undisclosed transaction.
The nature of the financial infractions has not been made public, but the charges have ignited widespread political controversy and raised questions about the timing and motivation behind the arrest.
