An Accra High is set to hear a motion filed by lawyers for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) seeking a review of the GH¢50 million bail imposed on him by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Chairman Wontumi was arrested earlier last week by EOCO over undisclosed investigations and subsequently granted bail in the sum of GH¢50 million with two sureties, both to be justified. However, as of Friday, only one of the required sureties had been secured, leaving the outspoken regional chairman in custody.
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His legal representative, Marfo & Associates, filed a review motion at the High Court on Friday, May 30, 2025, challenging the bail conditions. They argue that the terms are excessive and unreasonable, and constitute a deliberate attempt to delay his release.
The continued detention has sparked outrage among the NPP’s leadership and supporters. Many thronged the premises of the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) headquarters in Accra on Friday following reports that Chairman Wontumi had been transferred there.
Party leaders, including former Vice President and NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, were also at the NIB headquarters on Friday to check on their colleagues.
However, the visit was unsuccessful as officials of the NIB reportedly cited the large crowd gathered outside the facility as a reason for not producing Chairman Wontumi.
Dr. Bawumia expressed disappointment, saying the leadership had made prior arrangements to visit Wontumi and assess his condition. “We are very disappointed in our inability to see him,” he told journalists.
Meanwhile, Mr. Afenyo-Markin described the situation as an abuse of power and questioned the justification for such stringent bail conditions. “This is not justice. It is clear that the bail is being used to punish him,” he said.
The outcome of the court hearing on June 3 is expected to determine whether the current bail conditions will be modified to allow for Chairman Wontumi’s release.