By Ashiadey Dotse
The Ashanti regional Chairman of the New Patriotic party ( NPP ), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). His release comes after he successfully met bail conditions set by the court.
Chairman Wontumi was arrested on May 27, 2025, as part of investigations into alleged fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. Officials also say he may be connected to an international crime syndicate.
His bail was set at GH₵50 million with two sureties who needed to show they had enough assets to guarantee the amount. The NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua, confirmed on Monday, June 2, 2025, that Wontumi had been released. He thanked Dr Bryan Acheampong, a fellow NPP member and former minister, for helping provide the required sureties.
Even though Wontumi’s legal team met the bail terms last Friday, his release was delayed due to a legal application challenging the bail conditions. That application was later withdrawn on Monday, clearing the way for his release.
Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, who is leading Wontumi’s legal team, confirmed that the documents from Dr Acheampong were more than enough to meet the court’s requirements.
The case has gained a lot of attention, with some NPP MPs and party supporters protesting the arrest and calling the bail conditions unfair and politically motivated.
Chairman Wontumi is expected to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigations by EOCO, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), which is also conducting its own inquiry.
