Ashanti NPP Council of Elders Condemn EOCO Over ‘Undemocratic’ Arrest and Detention of Chairman Wontumi
The Ashanti Regional Council of Elders of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed deep concern and strong disapproval over the arrest and continued detention of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, by the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO).
In a press statement issued, the Council condemned what it described as an “ambush-style” arrest of the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman. The statement highlighted that Wontumi had honored an official invitation to appear at the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Accra on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, only to be unexpectedly detained by EOCO officers.
“Our regret arose from the way and manner Wontumi was ambushed and arrested by officers of EOCO after he honored an invitation to appear before the CID,” the Council noted. “We believe EOCO could have adopted the CID’s approach and thereby avoided the needless high political temperature now spreading across the country.”
The Council further criticized EOCO for what it sees as an infringement on Wontumi’s fundamental human rights, stating that he has been held in EOCO custody for more than 48 hours without being arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction. According to the Council, such actions are inconsistent with Ghana’s democratic values and represent an abuse of power.
“This country has chosen the path of democracy since 1992. Investigative methods must align with democratic principles. Holding Wontumi in custody for more than 48 hours without a court appearance is unacceptable,” the statement added.
The Elders also raised concern about the Gh₵50 million bail bond reportedly imposed on Wontumi, calling it excessive and indicative of bad faith.
“The bail bond… is too high and extremely difficult to meet. Are we not setting a very bad and dangerous precedent? Posterity is watching,” the statement cautioned.
The Council urged all well-meaning Ghanaians, especially members and sympathizers of the NPP, to stand in solidarity with Chairman Wontumi.
“We must all rise up and solidarise with Chairman Wontumi because he is a Ghanaian whose Fundamental Human Rights is being violated,” the Council stressed, ending the statement with a resounding call: “Free Wontumi Now!”
The statement concluded with reaffirmations of the Council’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law, urging EOCO and other state agencies to act within the bounds of the Constitution.
