Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, returned to the political spotlight on Tuesday with a visit to the party’s national headquarters in Accra, following his release from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Wontumi, who had spent a week in detention, was greeted with cheers and jubilation by party faithful as he arrived at the headquarters dressed in white, a traditional symbol of victory and gratitude. His appearance marked a bold statement of resilience and loyalty to the party base after being granted bail in a high-profile investigation involving allegations of fraud and money laundering.
“I had to come and show how grateful I am. May God bless you. Everything will be fine,” he told supporters and party leaders, visibly moved by the outpouring of solidarity.
The outspoken regional chairman had been arrested on Tuesday, 27 May, and later granted bail set at GH₵50 million with two sureties to be justified. Although the conditions of the allegations remain undisclosed, the probe is reportedly centred on serious financial crimes.
At the party headquarters, Wontumi made a symbolic gesture by lifting one leg to indicate he was well, possibly in response to public speculation about his health following his limp on the day of release. On Tuesday, however, he appeared in high spirits, exchanging greetings with supporters and smiling broadly throughout his brief address.
He reserved special praise for the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, describing his leadership during the ordeal as exceptional.
“I want to thank our General Secretary, Justin Kodua, for standing by me. His support was unwavering,” Wontumi declared to loud applause.
The visit seemed less about political optics and more about reaffirming allegiance to party structures and showing appreciation to grassroots members, many of whom had stood by him during the challenging week.
Though his return drew considerable media attention, questions still loom over the future of the investigation. The government has yet to announce when charges, if any, will be filed against the NPP chairman.
Despite this uncertainty, Wontumi’s message to party members was clear: he is neither defeated nor deterred.
Party insiders say the visit may help shore up his standing within the NPP at a time when unity is crucial ahead of the 2024 election season. For many in attendance, the day served as a rallying point—a reminder of the deep personal loyalty Wontumi commands among party faithful in and beyond the Ashanti Region.
As investigations continue, Chairman Wontumi’s political fate remains tied not only to the outcome of EOCO’s probe but also to how he navigates this high-stakes moment with party leadership and the public.
For now, however, he has reclaimed the stage, cheered on by those who see him not as a suspect, but as a survivor.
