Former Vice President,Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, was denied access on Friday to Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), who remains in state custody amid a high-profile criminal investigation.
Dr. Bawumia and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin visited the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) headquarters in Accra following reports that Mr. Boasiako—popularly known as “Chairman Wontumi”—was being held at the facility. Despite prior arrangements and being granted entry to the premises, both officials left without seeing the detained party executive.
“We had hoped to check on Chairman Wontumi’s condition,” Dr. Bawumia told reporters. “Unfortunately, the NIB and EOCO informed us that due to security and logistical issues, they could not bring him out at this time. We expressed our disappointment and will continue efforts to secure a meeting.”
Mr. Boasiako was arrested on May 27 by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and later transferred to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), which granted him bail the following day. However, he remains in custody, pending fulfillment of a GHS50 million (approx. $3.9 million) bail requirement, which includes two justified sureties.
The vice president is reportedly leading negotiations to meet the bail conditions. His visit underscores growing unease within the NPP ranks as party loyalists and lawmakers rally around Mr. Boasiako.
Outside the NIB facility, dozens of party officials, Members of Parliament, and supporters gathered in a show of support. The case has generated national attention and sparked partisan friction ahead of the 2024 general elections.
On Thursday, a group of NPP MPs staged a protest march from Parliament to EOCO headquarters, demanding Mr. Boasiako’s release. The demonstration caused significant traffic disruptions in the capital and prompted an increased police presence. Parliamentary proceedings resumed Friday after a brief walkout.
Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai confirmed that Mr. Boasiako is under investigation for “serious crimes,” though the nature of the allegations has not been publicly disclosed.
Source:TheDotNews