Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has voiced serious concern over the ongoing detention and unknown whereabouts of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi.
Dr. Bawumia called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to uphold Wontumi’s constitutional rights, emphasizing that while no one is above the law, justice must be applied fairly and transparently.
Wontumi was taken into custody by EOCO after responding to a Police CID invitation, but details about the reasons for his detention remain unclear.
In a public statement, Dr. Bawumia stressed the need for due process and warned that any abuse of power could erode public confidence in Ghana’s justice system. He noted that he has been in contact with Wontumi’s legal team and praised their continued efforts to safeguard his rights.
He urged EOCO and other authorities to operate strictly within legal boundaries, affirming that Ghana must remain a nation of laws, not arbitrary decisions.
Below is the full statement by Dr. Bawumia:
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.
