Gary Nimako Marfo, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Director of Legal Affairs, has stepped forward to clear the air on allegations that his bail variation application caused unnecessary delays in Wontumi’s release.
Speaking to Accra-based Movement TV monitored by Kumasimail, Nimako Marfo provided a detailed account of the sequence of events that led to the filing of the bail variation motion late on Friday, May 30.
According to him, the move was a direct response to urgent requests from Wontumi’s close aides and family, who indicated that the original bail conditions had not been met.
“I was contacted late on Friday by Wontumi’s aide, who informed me that the bail had not been satisfied and mentioned the need for a variation application,” Nimako explained.
“Wontumi’s wife also reached out to me directly. Based on the information at hand, I took immediate steps to file the application,” he added.
He also stated that he contacted Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah, regarding Wontumi’s bail conditions. The lawyer informed him that he has not yet met the bail conditions.
Nimako recounted “I told him that today is Friday, and since he has waited until now, the man will have to stay there over the weekend. He told me he has prepared a variation application but has not yet filed it”
“I advised him to file it immediately. However, he insisted that he is waiting for the necessary documents for bail, and once the documents arrive, he will file the application,” he added.
However, Nimako expressed frustration at the growing narrative blaming the variation application for stalling Wontumi’s release.
“It is simply not legally sound to claim that a bail variation can delay the execution of a bail bond,” he stressed.
“Once the bail conditions are fulfilled in this case, a GH¢50 million bond, the law mandates release. The variation application is meant to offer an alternative arrangement, not to obstruct justice,” he emphasized.
The legal director did not hold back in criticizing those close to the case who have, in his view, mishandled the situation.
“The way Andy Appiah-Kubi, Wontumi’s lead counsel has managed this issue is unfair and counterproductive. I have requested all relevant documents to ensure the bail process is completed properly,” Nimako added.
Chairman Wontumi, a prominent NPP figure and outspoken political personality, is currently under investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over allegations of financial misconduct, including money laundering and causing financial loss to the state.
The initial bail was set at a staggering GH¢50 million, a sum his legal team argues is excessive and designed to keep him detained.
The case has sparked intense political interest, with senior NPP leaders making visits to intelligence agencies to check on Wontumi’s welfare.
Supporters view the prolonged detention as politically motivated, while critics argue that the law must take its course regardless of political affiliations.
The ruling will be pivotal in determining whether Chairman Wontumi will finally regain his freedom or remain in detention as investigations continue.
The High Court is scheduled to hear the bail variation application filed by Gary Nimako on June 3, 2025.
Source: www.kumasimail.com/ Kwadwo Owusu
