Chairman Wontumi Transferred to NIB as Investigation Deepens, Bail Conditions Unmet
Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been transferred to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) as investigations into his case continue to unfold.
His transfer from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has stirred public debate and attracted significant political attention across the country.
Chairman Wontumi’s arrest and detention have dominated headlines, with members of the public and political observers closely following the developments. It is reported that NPP flagbearer for the 2024 general elections, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has been actively engaged in efforts to meet Wontumi’s bail conditions. The bail amount, set at GHS 50 million with two justified sureties, remains unmet as of now, despite the involvement of top party officials.
Support for Wontumi has been visibly strong, with several high-ranking NPP figures and Members of Parliament visiting the NIB facility where he is currently being held. Large groups of party supporters have also gathered outside the premises, demanding his release and expressing frustration over the handling of the case. Security presence at the NIB office has been noticeably heightened in response, with police officers deployed to manage the crowds and maintain order.
Wontumi’s legal challenges began on Tuesday, May 27, when he was initially arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service. After securing bail from the CID, he was re-arrested almost immediately by EOCO, raising questions about the legal procedures and sparking further controversy. On Wednesday, May 28, EOCO granted him bail, but the strict conditions—GHS 50 million and two justified sureties—have yet to be fulfilled, leaving Wontumi in detention.
The situation escalated when Minority Members of Parliament staged a protest on Thursday, May 29, marching from Parliament to EOCO’s headquarters to demand Wontumi’s immediate release. Their demonstration led to traffic disruptions in parts of Accra and prompted a strong police presence. The MPs returned to Parliament the following day, but they continue to press for fairness and transparency in the legal process.
Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, provided an official update on the matter via a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account. He confirmed that Wontumi is under investigation for multiple charges, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.
He further noted that EOCO is spearheading the investigation and has initiated asset recovery efforts targeting suspected proceeds of crime.
As the case unfolds, Ghanaians remain glued to the developments, eager to see how the investigation progresses. The outcome of this high-profile case could have far-reaching implications, not only for Chairman Wontumi but also for the broader political landscape and the country’s legal system.
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