The 2024 Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has strongly criticised the arrest and continued detention of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, Dr. Bawumia expressed grave concern over the lack of transparency regarding the charges against Wontumi and the uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts at the time.
“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,” he wrote.
While reaffirming that no individual is above the law, Dr. Bawumia stressed that the constitutional rights of all Ghanaians—regardless of political affiliation or status—must be upheld.
“In a democratic environment such as ours, no individual is above the law. Equally, no Ghanaian—regardless of political affiliation or status—should ever be denied their constitutional rights. Justice and due process are not optional; they are the foundation of our democracy,” he stated.
The NPP flagbearer revealed that he had been in close contact with Wontumi’s legal team since the arrest to ensure that legal procedures are followed and his rights are protected. He praised the legal team for their diligence and professionalism.
Dr. Bawumia also called on EOCO and all relevant state agencies to operate strictly within the framework of the law and to respect the constitutional rights of Chairman Wontumi.
“Any deviation from these principles risks undermining public trust in our justice system and weakening the democratic values we have worked hard to build,” he cautioned.
He added that Ghana must remain a country governed by the rule of law, not by arbitrary authority. “Our Republic is strongest when our institutions are both firm and fair,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Wontumi’s legal counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi—who is also an NPP Member of Parliament—has confirmed that his client was hospitalised after falling ill during interrogation by security officials.
Appiah-Kubi disclosed that the NPP chairman was arrested on Tuesday, May 28, 2025, and subsequently charged with illegal mining operations. He was later granted bail with two sureties.
“My client has been taken to the hospital for medical treatment. We haven’t completed the interrogation, so we’ll resume once his condition improves. If not, he will remain in the hospital until he is discharged by the doctors,” Appiah-Kubi told reporters.
