Chairman Wontumi Released from EOCO Custody After Meeting Bail Conditions
After nearly a week in detention, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako—widely known as Chairman Wontumi—has been released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). His release came on the evening of Monday, June 2, following the fulfillment of bail conditions that had previously delayed his discharge.
The confirmation came from NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, during a media interview. He stated that all necessary legal and administrative processes had been completed, allowing for Wontumi’s release after several days of legal wrangling.
Chairman Wontumi’s legal troubles began on Tuesday, May 27, when he was taken into custody shortly after visiting the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra. Following that engagement, EOCO assumed jurisdiction over related matters and detained him for further investigation.
Though bail was granted on Wednesday, May 28, and set at GH₵50 million with two sureties, Wontumi’s legal team initially struggled to satisfy all the stipulations. Efforts to negotiate changes to the bail terms were underway, with an official application submitted to the High Court on May 30 seeking to vary the conditions. That motion was scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, June 3.
However, in a twist, the legal team—led by Gary Nimako Marfo, the NPP’s Director of Legal Affairs—withdrew the application on Monday, June 2, after resolving the issues that had previously stalled the process. Reports indicate that an unexpected legal hurdle emerged on Friday, May 30, when a fresh application—allegedly filed without the knowledge of Wontumi’s legal counsel—temporarily blocked his release.
One of his lawyers, Appiah-Kubi, commented on the development, explaining the situation that caused the delay. “My client was prepared to go home, but a new application was suddenly filed, which created complications. That wasn’t filed by our team, but it halted everything,” he noted. “We’ve dealt with the issue now and can move forward.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, has provided further insight into the nature of the case. He confirmed that Wontumi is currently under investigation for several serious offences, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. He also disclosed that an international dimension has emerged, with Wontumi being linked to a transnational organised crime scheme.
Justice Srem-Sai added that EOCO is collaborating with international law enforcement agencies to investigate these allegations, and asset tracing and recovery operations are already in motion.
With his release now confirmed, attention turns to the unfolding investigations and potential legal consequences. As the case progresses, it is expected to remain a focal point of both legal scrutiny and political interest in Ghana.
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