The legal team representing Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi and the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has confirmed that all bail conditions set by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) have been fully satisfied.
However, a fresh court application filed on Friday is currently preventing his release.
Lead counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi told JoyNews on Friday that the GH₵50 million bail bond with two justified sureties has been met, with significant assistance from former Minister for Food and Agriculture Bryan Acheampong, who provided documentation exceeding the required value.
Chairman Wontumi was initially granted bail on May 27 after his arrest on allegations of fraud, money laundering, and related financial crimes.
Despite fulfilling the bail terms, Appiah-Kubi revealed that a new legal hurdle emerged when an application was filed on the same day, which legally restrains EOCO from proceeding with the inspection of surety properties or releasing Wontumi.
The lawyer explained that this application was not filed by his team and is intended to frustrate the bail process.
“We encountered a challenge that needs to be addressed before we can go forward,” Appiah-Kubi said, adding that the legal team is working swiftly to resolve the matter and hopes it will be cleared by Monday, enabling Chairman Wontumi’s release.
Chairman Wontumi has been transferred from EOCO’s custody to the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) amid mounting legal and political tensions.
Contrary to earlier reports, his lawyer dismissed claims that Wontumi is on a hunger strike and confirmed that he is receiving medical attention.
The lawyer also clarified that although there have been rumors about former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia standing as a surety, he has no information confirming this.
Furthermore, Appiah-Kubi emphasized that Wontumi personally has the capacity to meet the bail amount but is legally barred from standing as his own surety.
A motion to review the bail conditions, which the defense argues are excessive and intended to prevent release, has been filed and is scheduled for hearing on June 3, 2025.
Source : www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
