Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party and widely known as “Chairman Wontumi,” has withdrawn a legal challenge to the stringent bail conditions imposed on him in an ongoing criminal investigation.
Mr. Boasiako, who has been in custody since May 27, had sought a review of the GH¢50 million (approximately $4 million) bail bond set by Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), calling the sum excessive and arguing it could hinder his release. The motion was filed at the High Court in Accra on May 30 and was scheduled for hearing on Tuesday.
His legal team, however, formally retracted the application on Monday, just one day ahead of the court session. No immediate reason was provided for the withdrawal.
The NPP official faces a raft of serious charges, including fraud, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state. Government prosecutors allege that Mr. Boasiako is a central figure in a far-reaching financial misconduct probe. Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem-Sai said the investigation has entered a second phase, with emerging evidence purportedly linking the politician to an international organized crime syndicate.
The case marks a high-profile test of Ghana’s anti-corruption institutions and could have political implications as the nation gears up for general elections next year. The EOCO and Attorney General’s office have not commented further on whether new charges will be filed as investigations progress.
Source:TheDotNews