It’s been a tense few days in Ghanaian politics, and at the center of it all is Bernard Antwi Boasiako, better known to most as Chairman Wontumi. The outspoken Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) was granted bail by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
But here’s the catch: the bail was set at a whopping GH₵50 million, with two justified sureties, and Wontumi hasn’t been able to meet those conditions yet. So for now, he’s still behind bars.
Arrest Tied to Allegations of Financial Misconduct and Illegal Mining
Wontumi’s troubles began a day earlier, on May 27, when he was picked up in connection with an ongoing investigation. EOCO is looking into alleged financial irregularities involving Exim Bank, along with serious accusations tied to illegal mining, environmental damage, and unauthorised entry into a forest reserve.
Yeah, it’s a lot.
These aren’t just your everyday political jabs either; illegal mining, or galamsey as it’s widely known, has been a thorn in Ghana’s side for years. It’s wrecking ecosystems, contaminating water bodies, and stirring up tension between locals, politicians, and law enforcement. So when a high-ranking political figure like Wontumi gets linked to it, people start paying attention.
GH₵50 Million Bail Raises Eyebrows, and Tempers
While EOCO eventually granted bail, the terms were anything but light. The GH₵50 million figure, coupled with the need for two justified sureties, triggered immediate backlash. As of May 29, Wontumi was still in EOCO custody, unable to fully satisfy the court’s demands.
And the political class? Let’s just say they weren’t thrilled. Critics, both from within his party and from across the aisle, slammed the bail terms as excessive and even politically motivated. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin went as far as calling the conditions “unreasonable,” suggesting EOCO could’ve just frozen Wontumi’s bank accounts or confiscated his passport instead.
MPs Walk Out and March in Protest
Things quickly escalated from courtroom drama to full-blown political protest. A group of Minority Members of Parliament staged a walkout during parliamentary proceedings, then marched straight to EOCO’s offices in Accra.
Their message? They’re not backing down. Some have even threatened to boycott Parliament entirely or camp outside EOCO’s premises until Wontumi is freed.
It’s the kind of move that signals just how charged, and perhaps how symbolic, this case has become. For Wontumi’s allies, this isn’t just about bail. It’s about justice, fairness, and, frankly, political survival.
Chairman Wontumi granted bail by EOCO: Legal Hurdles and Health Concerns
Wontumi’s lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, says the team’s doing everything it can to secure his release. They’ve already managed to line up one surety, but the second hasn’t been approved yet, and it’s proving to be a headache.
Appiah-Kubi also revealed that his client had to be hospitalized briefly after enduring hours of interrogation, which adds another layer of concern. His supporters are now calling for more humane treatment and greater transparency from EOCO.
EOCO Stands Firm
On its part, EOCO isn’t backing down. Officials maintain that they’re simply following the law and that the gravity of the charges warrants tough bail conditions.
Sources within the agency say this isn’t about politics, it’s about accountability. With large sums of money and protected lands allegedly involved, EOCO argues it has every reason to take a cautious, methodical approach.
Politics, Power, and Public Perception
There’s no denying it now: the Chairman Wontumi saga has become a full-blown political flashpoint. With national elections on the horizon, this case is already being used by both sides as a litmus test for Ghana’s justice system and for how far political influence really goes.
To some, Wontumi is a victim of selective justice. To others, he’s just another powerful figure finally being held accountable. Either way, the case is reshaping public opinion, and possibly voter sentiment.
In the End, It’s About More Than Just Bail
The story of Chairman Wontumi’s arrest and delayed release isn’t just a legal tale; it’s a mirror reflecting deeper issues in Ghana: the fight against corruption, the politicization of justice, and the struggle to balance power with responsibility.
Whether he walks free soon or not, one thing’s certain: Ghanaians are watching, and they’re not looking away anytime soon.
