The lawyer for Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has revealed that former Agriculture Minister Bryan Acheampong played a crucial role in meeting the GH₵50 million bail conditions set by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).
Speaking to the media on Friday, May 30, legal counsel Andy Appiah-Kubi confirmed that all bail requirements have now been satisfied, with Mr Acheampong stepping in to provide property documentation exceeding the financial value demanded by EOCO.
“We have been able to provide the sureties, that one, I can assure you. And I’m very grateful to Honourable Bryan Acheampong, who has supported me to file the documents,” Appiah-Kubi stated.
“He has brought his documents, which go over and above the value of money that is required. So I thank him very much.”
Chairman Wontumi was arrested and detained over allegations of fraud, money laundering, and other financial crimes. Though bail was granted with two sureties to be justified, it took several days to meet the conditions in full.
The breakthrough came just ahead of the weekend. However, Wontumi remains in EOCO custody due to a new legal complication.
According to his lawyer, a fresh court application—filed by unknown individuals has temporarily stalled his release.
“My client is not going home tonight. We encountered a challenge that needs to be addressed before we can go forward,” Appiah-Kubi explained.
“Unknown to me, there was an application to frustrate what we are doing. It is an application that was not filed by my good self, but it prohibits us. We’ll deal with it on Monday.”
He also dismissed rumours that Wontumi is on a hunger strike and confirmed that his client’s health is stable.
Appiah-Kubi further explained why a planned meeting between former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Wontumi could not take place.
“We had brought him to meet with the former Vice President, but the situation we saw was difficult to arrange this meeting, to pass through the crowd. So we had to take him back. His condition of health requires attention, so he’s receiving attention and there’s nothing to worry about.”
Wontumi’s arrest has generated intense political and public interest, prompting visits from top NPP officials, including Dr. Bawumia and Majority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. Supporters have also gathered at EOCO and NIB headquarters, demanding his immediate release.
Appiah-Kubi stated that unless the pending legal obstruction is withdrawn or resolved, Chairman Wontumi will remain in custody until at least Monday, June 2.
