Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly referred to as Chairman Wontumi, has been freed from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office(EOCO) after successfully meeting his bail conditions.

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He was released yesterday, Monday evening, June 2, and was seen captured walking with his hands around the General Secreatry of the NPP, Justin Kodua.

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Speaking to the media, Justin confirmed his release, commending the former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Bryan Acheampong, who provided one of the sureties for Chairman Wontumi's release.

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Chairman Wontumi was granted bail to the tune of GH₵50 million with two sureties to be justified following his arrest on Tuesday, May 27, in connection with ongoing investigations into alleged fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state.

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The charges also include a potential link to a wider international organised crime syndicate, as revealed by the Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai.

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In a related development, it is reported that the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) is also preparing its own docket as part of the ongoing investigations into Chairman Wuntomi’s activities, independent from ongoing EOCO and Criminal Investigations Department (CID) probes.

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His release follows a period of intense legal tussle and political pressure.

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Wontumi is under investigation for alleged serious criminal offences, including fraud, causing financial loss to the state, and money laundering, according to Deputy Attorney-General, Justice Srem-Sai.

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Initially, Wontumi's legal team struggled to meet the hefty bail terms, leading to days in detention.

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However, his lead counsel, Andy Appiah-Kubi, confirmed on Friday, May 30, that the necessary documentation for both sureties had been completed, significantly aided by former Minister for Food and Agriculture Bryan Acheampong, whose documents reportedly "go over and above the value of money that is required".

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However, he remained in custody even after meeting the bail condition over what was described as an unexpected "legal challenge" – an application filed to seek a review of the bail conditions.

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His lawyers, however, expressed optimism that this challenge was going to be dealt with, and indeed it was cleared on Monday, June 2

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Some members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament and members of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) massed up at the National Intelligence Bureau headquarters to demand the immediate release and waiver of bail conditions for Chairman Wontumi on Friday.

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Amongst them were former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and other bigwigs in the opposition party.

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The application to review the bail conditions was scheduled to be heard June 3, 2025, but the applicant made a U-turn Monday, withdrawing the application from the court entirely.

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While released, Chairman Wontumi is expected to cooperate fully with the ongoing probe as part of his bail terms.

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