Member of Parliament for Gushegu, Hassan Tampuli, has strongly criticised the arrest and continued detention of Bernard Antwi Boasiako popularly known as Chairman Wontumi by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), describing the move as unconstitutional.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, May 31, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker expressed concern that EOCO had exceeded the 48-hour limit for detention without trial, in violation of Article 14(3) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees personal liberty.
“What does the law say? Is his continued detention, restriction, and arrest
contrary to the law? Yes, it is. It violates and contaminates Article 14(3) of the Constitution,” Mr. Tampuli asserted.
He further hinted that the prolonged detention may be politically motivated, raising questions about EOCO’s intentions in the case.
Chairman Wontumi, the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, was re-arrested by EOCO earlier this week after being released by the Police CID.
The re-arrest is reportedly linked to allegations of financial crimes, though the specifics of the charges remain unclear.
His legal counsel, Lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, has pledged to rely solely on lawful means to secure his client’s release, steering clear of political commentary.
“I beg you, all of you; I will stay out of the politics and the theatrics and do the work within the law,” he told reporters on May 30, after efforts to secure Wontumi’s release.
Mr. Appiah-Kubi confirmed that the bail conditions—set at GH¢50 million with two sureties to be justified—had been met, noting that the properties provided “exceeded the value required.”
He also expressed appreciation to Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong for assisting with the documentation process.
Despite satisfying the bail requirements, Chairman Wontumi remains in custody due to a new legal obstacle.
“We encountered a challenge, a legal challenge unknown to me. There was an applicatin that prohibits us,” Appiah-Kubi revealed, adding that the matter will be addressed in court on Monday.
The high-profile arrest has sparked outrage within the NPP. For two consecutive days, party members protested in Accra, culminating in a symbolic sit-in by Minority MPs led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
They described EOCO’s bail conditions as excessive and politically driven.
Chairman Wontumi’s legal team has since filed an application at the High Court to vary the bail conditions imposed by EOCO.
As legal and political tensions rise, all eyes remain on Monday’s court proceedings, which may determine whether Wontumi regains his freedom—or continues to face what some within the NPP are calling a politically charged prosecution.
