By Felix Cofie
Spokesperson for embattled New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, has rejected claims that his client poses a flight risk if granted bail.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Dr. Boakye-Danquah described as misleading a newspaper headline suggesting that the Attorney General is opposing bail on grounds that Wontumi could flee the country.
He argued that the claim was not supported by the facts, pointing out that the State has been in possession of Wontumi’s passport for more than a year.
“How will Chairman Wontumi ‘run away from Ghana’ when the State itself has held his passport for over one year?” he asked.
According to him, Wontumi has never requested the release of his passport, including for medical treatment or personal visits.
He therefore maintained that a person without travel documents could not reasonably be considered a flight risk.
Calls for High Court to determine bail
Dr. Boakye-Danquah further urged the Attorney General to allow the High Court to independently determine Wontumi’s bail application.
He cited Article 14(4) of the 1992 Constitution and argued that the determination of bail conditions rests with the court.
He accused the Attorney General of attempting to influence public perception and potentially prejudice the judicial process through comments made in the media.
“This comment from the Attorney General is not only prejudicial, it directs the path of court processes and poisons the well of justice before the judge speaks,” the statement said.
‘Wontumi has submitted himself to every process’
The spokesperson also defended Wontumi’s conduct, describing him as a law-abiding citizen who has complied with the processes of the State.
He said Wontumi had neither absconded nor interfered with the legal process and had continued to submit himself to the authorities.
Dr. Boakye-Danquah warned that what he described as “media trials” could undermine public confidence in Ghana’s justice system and damage the reputation of individuals before their cases are determined by the courts.
Demand for restraint
The spokesperson called on the Attorney General to desist from what he termed “media prosecution” and allow the High Court to determine the matter without external pressure.
He also urged authorities to uphold the principle of presumption of innocence until an accused person is proven guilty.
“Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done — fairly, and without fear or favour,” he said.
Wontumi is currently facing legal proceedings, with his bail application expected to be determined by the High Court.
