Bawumia To EOCO: Wontumi’s Right Must Be Respected

Former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and other state institutions to act strictly within the bounds of the law.

These comments are in relation to the arrest and continued detention of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Dr. Bawumia, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 said: “I also urge the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and all relevant state institutions to act strictly within the bounds of the law and to respect the rights of Mr. Wontumi as guaranteed by our Constitution.”

According to him, any deviation from these principles risks undermining public trust in our justice system and weakening the democratic values we have worked hard to build.

The former Vice President questioned the legality and transparency surrounding Wontumi’s detention, describing the charges as “vague” and noting that his current whereabouts remain unknown.

He warned that any deviation from constitutional principles would damage public confidence in Ghana’s justice system.

“In a democratic environment such as ours, no individual is above the law. Equally, no Ghanaian – regardless of political affiliation or status – should ever be denied their constitutional rights,” he said, and added that “Justice and due process are not optional; they are the foundation of our democracy.”

He disclosed that he had been in close contact with Wontumi’s legal team since the morning of the arrest and commended them for their “professionalism and vigilance” in ensuring the protection of the NPP chairman’s rights.

Reaffirming his commitment to democratic governance, the former Vice President emphasised the importance of institutional integrity and legal accountability in safeguarding Ghana’s democracy.

“Ghana must always remain a nation governed by law, not by arbitrary power. Our Republic is strongest when our institutions are both firm and fair.”

Background

On Monday, May 26, 2025 Chairman Wontumi reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service in Accra, flanked by his legal counsel and party allies, after a dramatic and failed attempt by security forces to arrest him the previous Friday, in Kumasi.

Shortly after honoring the CID’s invitation, he was subsequently picked up by the Economic and Organised Crime Office officials and transported to their offices for further questioning, reportedly on related issues.

Subsequently, he was rushed to a hospital on Tuesday, May 27, after reportedly falling ill while being interrogated by the EOCO team.

The development was confirmed by his lawyer and former Member of Parliament for Asante-Akim North, Andy Appiah Kubi, who disclosed the information to journalists late Tuesday evening.

The arrest triggered immediate tension, with scores of NPP supporters and party executives storming the EOCO premises in protest, demanding his release. The chaotic scenes prompted the deployment of military personnel to reinforce security at the facility.

Several NPP figures, including party National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye and former Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover, accused the government and EOCO of engaging in politically motivated actions aimed at intimidating opposition figures.

The post Bawumia To EOCO: Wontumi’s Right Must Be Respected appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Read Full Story