Ghana’s Former Vice President Bawumia Spearheads Efforts to Secure Bail for Detained NPP Chairman Wontumi

Former Vice President of Ghana and 2024 flagbearer of the country’s opposition  New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mahamudu Bawumia, has taken the lead in coordinating efforts to secure bail for NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. Wontumi has been in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) since Tuesday, May 27, 2025, over allegations of fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.

According to reports, Wontumi was granted bail in the sum of GHS 50 million on Wednesday, May 28, but has been unable to meet the bail conditions, resulting in his continued detention. The hefty bail amount has sparked political controversy, prompting a parliamentary boycott and public protest by Minority MPs, who have criticized the bail conditions as excessive and politically motivated.

Party Mobilizes Resources

In an interview with Citi News, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NPP, Divine Agorhom, confirmed that senior party figures, including Dr. Bawumia, are engaged in efforts to secure Wontumi’s release. “It is not only His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia but every senior party person,” Agorhom said, adding that the party is exploring legal options if EOCO does not revise the bail terms.

Agorhom further stated that the party’s national leadership, parliamentary caucus, and senior members are all involved in finding a solution to secure Wontumi’s release. The NPP hierarchy is mobilizing resources and exploring both legal and diplomatic channels to secure the release of one of its most prominent regional leaders.

Development Update

An aide to Dr. Bawumia, Akbar Yussif Rohullah Khomeini, confirmed that the necessary documentation for Wontumi’s bail has been submitted and is now subject to verification by the relevant authorities. “If the verification of the sureties is completed today, the Chairman will be released,” Khomeini stated in a post on Facebook.

However, Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, expressed concerns that some individuals who initially agreed to help with sureties later became hesitant after their names were made public. Despite this, the lawyer expressed hope that Wontumi would secure the required sureties for his bail.

Reactions from Stakeholders

The situation has generated debate across the political spectrum, with some stakeholders calling for fairness and adherence to the rule of law in handling the matter. The Minority in Parliament has described the bail conditions as “excessive and unreasonable,” while the NPP leadership continues to call for Wontumi’s release.

The First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafor, has advised the Minority to seek redress in court, stressing that Parliament does not have the authority to intervene in EOCO’s bail procedures.

As the situation unfolds, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how this saga plays out, with many calling for a resolution that upholds the principles of justice and fairness.

Source: Africa Publicity