EOCO Defends Handling of Wontumi Case, Says Critics Are Overreacting

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has defended its actions in the arrest and detention of New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, asserting that all procedures have been lawfully followed.

Edward Cudjoe, EOCO’s Ashanti Regional Director, dismissed the backlash as exaggerated, insisting that due process was observed throughout.

“We have followed the proper legal processes. Even his legal team has confirmed this. It’s mostly those outside the legal process who are making noise without understanding the facts,” Cudjoe said.

Chairman Wontumi was arrested earlier this week and granted bail set at GH¢50 million with two justified sureties. His legal team has managed to secure one surety, but the second condition remains unmet, keeping him in custody.

The bail amount has been widely criticised, with former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia calling it unrealistic, arguing that few Ghanaians have assets valued at GH¢50 million to meet such conditions.

In response, some NPP supporters and MPs have staged protests, including a walkout in Parliament and a march to EOCO headquarters, calling for Wontumi’s release and labelling the bail conditions as politically driven and excessive.

EOCO, however, maintains that the bail terms reflect the seriousness of the allegations against Wontumi, which include fraud, money laundering, and links to international organised crime. The agency stressed that any objections to the bail terms should be pursued through the courts, not through public demonstrations.

Wontumi remains in custody while efforts continue to meet the bail requirements. His lawyers have signaled intentions to apply for a review of the bail terms in court.