The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has satisfied the GH¢50 million bail condition imposed by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), and has been released after spending seven days in detention.
Chairman Wontumi was detained by EOCO following investigations into alleged financial impropriety and suspected money laundering linked to his private business interests. His arrest and subsequent detention triggered intense public and political interest, with supporters calling for his immediate release.
The embattled regional chairman was granted bail late last week but remained in EOCO custody while his legal team worked to meet the stringent conditions attached, including the provision of two justified sureties and the submission of valuable collateral. His release was secured over the weekend after all required documentation was submitted and approved.
“We’ve just completed the inspection of the properties. The next step is for the officials to verify their value to determine if they meet the bail conditions,” said Member of Parliament for Abetifi, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, who is one of the sureties.
Before his release, Wontumi’s legal team had withdrawn a motion seeking a review of the GH¢50 million bail condition. The motion, which was filed at the High Court in Accra on May 30, 2025, was scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, June 3. However, private legal practitioner Gary Nimako, acting on behalf of the NPP chairman, formally filed the application for withdrawal on Monday.
The original motion had challenged the bail sum, describing it as excessive and potentially designed to delay or frustrate Wontumi’s release. His lawyers insisted that the amount was disproportionate, given the nature of the allegations, and requested the court to revise the terms.
Lead counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi explained that the decision to withdraw the motion followed the successful execution of all bail requirements. He confirmed that the documentation for the two justified sureties had been completed, rendering the court application unnecessary.
According to Appiah-Kubi, this progress was made possible with substantial support from former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Bryan Acheampong, who is said to have played a crucial role in facilitating the provision of sureties and other related paperwork.
“We are grateful to everyone who contributed to ensuring Chairman Wontumi’s release, especially Honourable Bryan Acheampong, whose efforts were instrumental in this process,” Mr. Appiah-Kubi stated.
Meanwhile, tension built up at the premises of EOCO on Monday after Wontumi’s release was delayed past 6:00 p.m. Roads leading to the area were blocked, forcing commuters to use alternative routes. The crowd grew restless, demanding his release, while police intervened to control the situation.
EOCO has not yet filed formal charges but insists that its preliminary investigations revealed grounds for further scrutiny of financial transactions associated with Wontumi’s businesses. As part of his bail conditions, he is expected to report to EOCO’s offices weekly while investigations continue.
The NPP – particularly its Minority in Parliament, as well as some regional executives and grassroots supporters – has publicly expressed solidarity with Wontumi.
By Ernest Kofi Adu