Bawumia Raises Alarm Over NPP Chairman Wontumi’s Mysterious Detention and Unspecified Charges
Former Vice President of Ghana and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed deep concern over the arrest and continued detention of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
In a statement shared on his official social media platform alongside a photo of the embattled regional chairman, Dr. Bawumia called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and other relevant authorities to respect the constitutional rights of Mr. Antwi-Boasiako and to act strictly within the confines of the law.
“I am deeply concerned about the arrest and continued detention of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Wontumi), particularly as the charges remain vague, and his whereabouts remain unknown,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
While acknowledging that no individual is above the law, the Vice President emphasized the importance of upholding due process and constitutional protections, regardless of political affiliation or social status.
“Justice and due process are not optional; they are the foundation of our democracy,” he noted, adding that he has been in touch with Wontumi’s legal team to ensure his rights are upheld. He commended the team for their vigilance and professionalism.
He further urged EOCO and other state institutions to operate within the rule of law, warning that “any deviation from these principles risks undermining public trust in our justice system and weakening the democratic values we have worked hard to build.”
“Ghana must always remain a nation governed by law—not by arbitrary power. Our Republic is strongest when our institutions are both firm and fair,” he added.
Wontumi was picked up by EOCO operatives on Tuesday, May 27, shortly after leaving the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra, where he had reported for further questioning. His appearance at the CID followed his earlier release on bail, after being questioned over alleged involvement in illegal mining and unauthorized entry into forest reserves.
Though he complied with the directive to return for further investigations, EOCO officers intercepted and arrested him upon his exit. As of now, the exact basis for EOCO’s arrest remains unclear, prompting calls for transparency and adherence to legal procedures.
The incident has stirred public debate, especially within political circles, with many awaiting further details from state authority.
