The New Patriotic Party (NPP) says it is battle-ready to defend its own in court, following the release of Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi from custody.
Addressing a crowd of party supporters outside the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra, NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong declared the party’s legal strength, asserting they have a “solid team of lawyers” to defend officials of the party and the former government, should they face legal action.
“NPP will demonstrate that we have solid lawyers to defend our officials,” Kodua said, amid loud cheers and chants from party loyalists.
Chairman Wontumi was arrested on May 27 and granted bail on June 2, set at GH₵50 million with two sureties to be justified. His lawyer, Kwame Andy Appiah Kubi, confirmed to journalists that all bail conditions were met and his client was now free. “Chairman Wontumi has been released. He is here with me,” he announced, gesturing toward the embattled party stalwart.
The scene outside EOCO’s office resembled a campaign rally as enthusiastic supporters waved flags, danced, and shouted slogans in support of their regional chairman.
While EOCO has yet to file formal charges, Deputy Attorney-General Dr Justice Srem Sai revealed in a post that Wontumi is being investigated for money laundering, fraud, and causing financial loss to the state. Authorities are also pursuing a second, more complex strand of the investigation, linked to an international organised crime network.
“The criminal investigation is running concurrently with asset recovery processes,” Dr Sai noted, adding that the state is collaborating with international law enforcement to trace the suspected proceeds of crime.
