Ashanti
Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiko,
popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has taken a surprising turn in his ongoing
legal saga by withdrawing his motion to review his bail conditions. The move
comes just hours before a scheduled hearing that was set for Tuesday, June 3,
at the High Court in Accra.
Wontumi’s
legal team initially filed the motion on May 30, 2025, challenging the GH¢50
million bail imposed by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The
regional chairman argued that the bail sum was excessively high and appeared to
be a deliberate attempt to prevent his release from custody. The application
sought a reduction of the bail amount, citing specific grounds detailed in an
accompanying affidavit.
However, in
a swift development, the application was formally withdrawn on Monday, June 2,
well ahead of the scheduled court hearing. The withdrawal was made by private
legal practitioner Gary Nimako on behalf of Wontumi, with lead counsel Andy
Appiah-Kubi confirming that all documentation for the two justified sureties
has now been finalized.
Sources
close to the case reveal that the withdrawal was facilitated by significant
support from former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, who
played a crucial role in ensuring the completion of legal formalities. The
progress in documentation has rendered the court application unnecessary at
this stage, according to legal observers.
Wontumi’s
decision to withdraw the motion has sparked mixed reactions within political
circles and among the public. Some interpret it as a strategic move, possibly
aimed at easing the legal process or as a gesture of cooperation. Others see it
as a tactical retreat amid ongoing investigations.
While
Wontumi’s legal team has completed the necessary documentation for his
sureties, the political landscape remains tense. The court has yet to issue a
new ruling or update on the case’s next phase. As the legal and political drama
unfolds, all eyes are on whether this development signals a shift in Wontumi’s
legal strategy or a temporary pause in his ongoing battle.
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