The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has taken legal action over the arrest of its Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. The party is challenging the Economic and Organized Crime Office’s (EOCO) handling of his arrest and the failure to grant him bail.
Chairman Wontumi was arrested by EOCO on May 27, 2025, following an investigation into allegations related to illegal mining activities and financial crimes. The EOCO has charged him with offenses including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. Despite being granted bail by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), Chairman Wontumi was detained by EOCO and has not been released due to difficulties in meeting the bail conditions.
In response, the NPP filed a case at the High Court in Accra to seek justice and demand the release of their regional chairman. The suit was registered as CR/0493/2025 with the applicant listed as Bernard Antwi Boasiako. The respondents in the case were EOCO and the Attorney General.
However, on June 2, 2025, a notice of discontinuance was filed by the applicant’s lawyers, Marfo & Associates. This means the case has been officially withdrawn and will not proceed further in court for now. The notice was signed by Gary Nimako Marfo, the solicitor representing Chairman Wontumi.
The withdrawal of the case came shortly after protests by NPP supporters and members of Parliament’s Minority Caucus demanding Chairman Wontumi’s release. These protests caused tensions around the EOCO headquarters, even requiring military deployment to maintain peace.
Chairman Wontumi’s arrest and ongoing detention have sparked wide discussions across the country. Supporters argue that the arrest is politically motivated, while the authorities insist it is part of efforts to fight corruption and illegal mining.
As the case stands, the NPP’s court action has been discontinued, but the political drama around Chairman Wontumi’s arrest is far from over. Many Ghanaians await further developments, hoping for a fair and speedy resolution.
This incident highlights the increasing tension between political parties and law enforcement agencies in Ghana, especially over issues related to corruption and the rule of law.
