Politics

Bawumia, senior NPP officials join in efforts to secure bail for Wontumi

Former Vice President and 2024 NPP Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, is actively coordinating efforts to secure bail for Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

Chairman Wontumi has been in the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) since Tuesday, May 27, as investigations continue into allegations of fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering.

On Wednesday, May 28, he was granted bail in the sum of GHS 50 million, but has so far been unable to meet the bail conditions, resulting in his continued detention.

The prolonged custody of the NPP regional chairman has sparked political controversy, prompting a parliamentary boycott and public protest by Minority MPs, who have criticised the bail conditions as excessive and politically motivated.

In an interview with Citi News, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the NPP, Divine Agorhom, confirmed that senior party figures including Dr. Bawumia are engaged in efforts to secure Wontumi’s release.

“It is not only His Excellency Dr Mahamudu Bawumia but every senior party person. We are hoping that the EOCO itself will be able to vary the condition a bit more lenient for us to meet,” Agorhom said.

He indicated that the party is also exploring legal options if EOCO does not revise the bail terms.

“If that is not the case, my understanding is that the council is considering legal avenues to vary the conditions. If all that fails, then we will have to pull resources and see what we can do to get him out.

“Not only His Excellency the Former Vice President, but all leading members, including our caucus in parliament and the national leadership. They are all involved in finding a solution.”

The situation continues to generate debate across the political spectrum, as the NPP hierarchy mobilises resources and explores both legal and diplomatic channels to secure the release of one of its most prominent regional leaders.