Wontumi would’ve provided GH₵50m bail condition if permitted by law – Appiah-Kubi

The legal representative of the embattled New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias Wontumi, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has rejected assertions that his client lacks the capacity to satisfy the bail conditions imposed on him by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

Speaking in an interview on Movement Radio on Thursday, May 29, 2025, the lawyer insisted that Wontumi was capable of satisfying the ₵50 million bail bond, except that the law does not permit him to stand as his own surety under the circumstances.

“Maybe at some point, the subject of the case may have their property sold; however, it is not possible [to stand as their own surety]. He cannot stand surety for himself; it is the individual standing as surety who has to prove their capacity to fulfill the conditions,” he stated.

Asked if Chairman Wontumi personally lacked the capacity to show proof of ownership for a landed property valued at ₵50 million, Appiah-Kubi said, “Not at all. If it were permissible within the law, he would have brought his own, but the law requires a third party and not Chairman Wontumi.”

On the identity of a certain individual who has come forward to satisfy Wontumi’s bail, the lawyer denied claims that the said individual is the former NPP flagbearer hopeful, Kennedy Agyapong. He disclosed, however, that the person has specifically asked to remain anonymous.

Wontumi was arrested and detained by EOCO on May 27, 2025, after reporting to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra upon invitation. The arrest followed a failed attempt to apprehend him on May 23, 2025, and came amid intense interrogation by the police CID over allegations of illegal mining activities.

However, addressing the media on Tuesday night, his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, disclosed that his client’s interrogation by EOCO is related to Wontumi’s dealings with Exim Bank. Appiah-Kubi also revealed that Wontumi has been served a writ of summons by Exim Bank, adding to his legal challenges.

Wontumi reportedly took ill after undergoing intense interrogation at EOCO on Tuesday, leading to his hospitalization. According to reports, Wontumi was granted bail in the sum of ₵50 million by EOCO on Wednesday but failed to meet the bail conditions, warranting his continued stay in EOCO custody.