Hundreds of supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gathered at the premises of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters in Accra on this afternoon, demanding the immediate release of Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
Clad in party colors and chanting slogans, the crowd insisted that “he will be removed today,” echoing their frustration over Wontumi’s continued detention.
Among the protestors was Dr. Francis Adomako, Ashanti Regional Organizer and Hajia Zeinabu, Ashanti Regional Treasurer, who both affirmed to ABC News GH that the party grassroots would not back down until their leader was freed.
Chairman Wontumi has been in EOCO custody for six days following his arrest by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on May 27 over allegations including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.
Although he was granted bail on May 28 — set at GHC50 million with two justified sureties — legal and technical hitches have prevented his release.
His legal team insists the bail conditions were met by May 30, yet the Chairman was transferred to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for what officials cited as logistical and security reasons.
Efforts by senior party figures to intervene have so far proven unsuccessful.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin reportedly visited the NIB headquarters on May 30 to see Wontumi but were denied access.
In a fresh update, the accused’s Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi has assured that all legal and administrative challenges will be resolved by Monday, June 2, paving the way for the embattled Chairman’s release.
