Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been released by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after fulfilling the conditions of his bail.
On Monday, June 2, Wontumi’s legal team officially withdrew a motion filed on May 30, 2025, which requested a review of his GH¢50 million bail condition. The hearing had been scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, but the motion was pulled a day earlier.
Wontumi had been granted bail on Wednesday, May 28, with two justified sureties, and his legal representatives, led by Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed that the requirements were met by Friday, May 30. However, his release was delayed due to the pending motion for review, which his lawyers claim was filed without his direct approval.
The NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua, confirmed his release on Monday evening at EOCO headquarters, stating, “Chairman Wontumi has been released and is home resting. We’ll provide updates as necessary. Special thanks to Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi, for his support.”
Wontumi’s continued detention had led to political tensions. On May 29, Minority MPs walked out of Parliament and held a protest at EOCO, demanding his immediate release. They argued that Wontumi, given his public profile and low flight risk, should have been granted bail on self-recognizance. Supporters of the NPP also demonstrated by blocking the road in front of EOCO’s offices.
Now that the motion has been withdrawn and all bail terms satisfied, EOCO has officially released Chairman Wontumi.
