Dr.Bawumia expresses concern over arrest and continued detention of Chairman Wontumi

Former Vice President and flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP),  Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has reacted to the detention of Ashanti Regional Chairman of their party by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, was arrested and detained on Tuesday, May 27 by EOCO.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Dr Bawumia expressed grave concern about the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman’s continued detention, especially in the absence of clear charges and confirmed information regarding his whereabouts.

“In a democratic environment as ours, no individual is above the law,” Dr Bawumia wrote.

“Equally, no Ghanaian—regardless of political affiliation or status—should ever be denied their constitutional rights. Justice and due process are not optional; they are the foundation of our democracy.”

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

Read full statement below

I am deeply concerned about the arrest and continued detention of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Wontumi), particularly as the charges remain vague, and his whereabouts remain unknown.

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

I have been in constant touch with Mr. Wontumi’s legal team since this morning to ensure that his rights are protected and that due process is followed. I commend them for their professionalism and vigilance.

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

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.