Former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia on Wednesday called on Ghanaian security agencies, including the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), to respect the constitutional rights of Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—following his arrest and continued detention.

In a public statement issued via Facebook, Dr. Bawumia expressed concern over what he described as the opaque handling of the case. Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), was detained on Tuesday, May 27, under unclear circumstances with no formal charges disclosed and limited information about his whereabouts.

“In a democratic environment such as ours, no individual is above the law,” Bawumia wrote. “Equally, no Ghanaian—regardless of political affiliation or status—should be denied their constitutional rights. Justice and due process are not optional; they are the foundation of our democracy.”

The former Vice President, widely seen as a leading figure within the NPP, disclosed that he had been in touch with Wontumi’s legal team to ensure that legal channels are being pursued and that his rights are protected. He praised the legal team’s handling of the matter and reaffirmed his commitment to monitoring the case closely.

The detention of the high-profile party chairman has drawn significant public attention and stirred political tension, with critics raising questions about the role of law enforcement in politically sensitive investigations.

“Ghana must always remain a nation governed by law—not by arbitrary power,” Bawumia said. “Our Republic is strongest when our institutions are both firm and fair.”

He cautioned that a failure by state bodies to act within the confines of the law could further erode public confidence in the country’s justice system.

Source:TheDotNews