BREAKING NEWS: EOCO releases Chairman Wontumi

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has released Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi and Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), after a motion challenging his bail conditions was withdrawn.

Wontumi’s legal team, led by lawyer Andy Appiah-Kubi, had filed a motion at the Accra High Court on May 30, 2025, seeking a review of the GH¢50 million bail imposed by EOCO, describing the conditions as excessive and obstructive to his release.

The motion, originally scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, June 3, was withdrawn a day earlier, on Monday, June 2.

The NPP Chairman was initially arrested by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on May 27 and subsequently handed over to EOCO.

He was granted bail the following day with two justified sureties. His legal team confirmed that the conditions were met by May 30.

However, his release was delayed due to the pending bail review motion, which his lawyers now say was filed without his explicit approval.

His continued detention triggered political backlash.

On May 29, Minority MPs staged a walkout in Parliament and demonstrated at EOCO headquarters, demanding his immediate release. NPP supporters also staged street protests, blocking roads near EOCO offices.

With the motion now withdrawn and all bail requirements met, EOCO has officially released Chairman Wontumi.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith