Former President and 2024 Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has 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, the embattled NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman as guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
According to Dr Bawumia, any deviation from these principles risks undermining public trust in the country’s justice system and weakening the democratic values that, “We have worked hard to build.”
The former Vice President made these assertions in a statement posted on Facebook dated Wednesday, May 28, 2025. This comes on the back of the arrest of the Businessman and politician on Tuesday, May 27, by the EOCO.
“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” he stated.
The NPP’s 2024 Flagbearer further commended the legal of the embattled chairman for their professionalism and vigilance.
“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.”
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia said Ghana must always remain a nation governed by law and not by arbitrary power, emphasizing that the country is strongest when institutions of state are both firm and fair.
Meanwhile, the arrest of Mr Wontumi sparked wide public condemnation particularly among members of the opposition NPP with numerous calls from NPP supporters and some civil society organizations for transparency in the handling of recent cases involving opponents of the governing National Democratic Congress.
