The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako also known as Chairman Wontumi, has been released from custody after fulfilling bail conditions, bringing to an end nearly a week-long legal standoff with the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Wontumi’s release comes after his legal team formally withdrew a motion seeking a review of his GH¢50 million bail requirement. The motion, initially filed at the High Court in Accra on May 30, was due for hearing on Tuesday, June 3, but was quietly withdrawn a day earlier.
He had been granted bail on Wednesday, May 28, with two justified sureties. Though his legal team confirmed the conditions were satisfied by Friday, May 30, the NPP stalwart remained in custody over the unresolved motion, a delay his lawyers claim was triggered by legal filings made without his full consent.
“It’s been a tough few days, but I can confirm that Chairman Wontumi has been released. He’s gone home to rest. We appreciate the support from all who stood by him,” NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua told jubilant supporters gathered outside EOCO headquarters on Monday evening.
He also extended thanks to Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi for his behind-the-scenes support during the process.
However, Wontumi’s legal challenges are far from over. The Deputy Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, confirmed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that the Ashanti regional chairman remains under criminal investigation for serious offences including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
“Suspect Bernard Antwi Boasiako, a.k.a. Chairman Wontumi, is under investigation for various criminal offences,” Dr. Srem-Sai wrote. “EOCO is leading this investigation, with asset recovery processes already underway.”
The investigation is said to have two dimensions, one domestic and another with international implications, linked to what the Attorney General’s Office described as “a larger international organised crime scheme.” EOCO is reportedly collaborating with foreign law enforcement partners to probe the international arm of the case.
For now, Wontumi is expected to fully cooperate with investigators. His legal team, led by Member of Parliament Andy Appiah-Kubi, has not commented on the specifics of the case but maintains that their client is innocent and prepared to defend himself.
